Continuing to Keep Homeless Men Safe as Variants Emerge

(ALLENTOWN, PA) – With COVID-19 cases on the rise again in the Lehigh Valley, the Allentown Rescue Mission is renewing its commitment to stay open and continue to rescue, rehabilitate, and restore homeless men.  For many of these men, the Allentown Rescue Mission is their last and only option.

Over the past eighteen months, the Allentown Rescue Mission has fought to serve the community safely. And it has succeeded. The Allentown Rescue Mission has stayed open every day of the pandemic and expanded its Emergency Shelter and Food services. Since the pandemic started, the shelter remains open 24 hours a day with men facing a greater level of COVID-related restrictions, and it has increased meals served. Additionally, the men may extend their stay until the pandemic ends.

The Allentown Rescue Mission achieved these accomplishments while taking every possible precaution to minimize the spread of COVID-19. This included instituting a new policy that Allentown Rescue Mission staff or a ride service provide all transportation for the men instead of our prior use of public buses. The Allentown Rescue Mission partnered with the Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Mobile Vaccination Unit to immunize men. Going forward, men will be chauffeured to local vaccination sites if they request a vaccine.

The generosity of our donors has made these new services possible and allowed us to continue guiding men through our programs and getting them jobs. Continued donor support is greatly appreciated as we battle against the new highly contagious COVID-19 variants.

The Allentown Rescue Mission, a 501c3, 123 bed non-profit homeless shelter has been providing shelter for homeless men since 1900. In addition to emergency shelter services (365 days a year), the Allentown Rescue Mission offers a residential life skills program, and transitional employment on the Clean Team

that’s available for hire to the community. The Clean Team pays the men above PA state minimum wage– helping them save a nest egg to transition back into the community. In a typical year, the Allentown Rescue Mission provides shelter services for over 946 men per year, and serves over 42,000 meals a year to men in need.

 

To refer someone to the Allentown Rescue Mission for services or to learn ways you can help make a difference please visit www.allentownrescuemission.org

 
Information provided to TVL by:
Stefanie Appel
Community Relations
Allentown Rescue Mission
www.allentownrescuemission.org
 

 

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