(ALLENTOWN, PA) – On August 26, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court voted to end the eviction moratorium order that temporarily halted residential evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. With this decision, the Allentown Rescue Mission anticipates increased homelessness in the Lehigh Valley. As the challenge unfolds, the Allentown Rescue Mission is prepared to provide essential services and resources to the community.

The “Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19” issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in March 2020 banned landlords from evicting tenants. Early indicators show those individuals still owe rent, back rent, applicable fees, penalties, and interest now that the Order has ended. Complicating matters, landlords report that government payments to cover past-due rents are in arrears. In total, the current economic environment provides the ingredients for a “perfect storm” in the housing market.

Fortunately, the Allentown Rescue Mission has been caring for homeless men for over 120 years. It will bridge the gap for the segment of the community that it is equipped to serve, working as a refuge and resource center during this critical time.

The Allentown Rescue Mission provides safe lodging, clothing, and three meals daily for men in its Emergency Shelter as well as longer-term programs. In addition, the Allentown Rescue Mission offers counseling, educational resources, life skills courses, transportation to medical and social services appointments, housing and employment assistance, and guidance in transitioning back into the community.

“Now that the eviction ban has ended, the Allentown Rescue Mission will do everything we can to help,” said Stuart Smith, CEO. “Whether it’s a few nights in our Emergency Shelter or longer help, we will do whatever we can to get them back on their feet.”

For more information about the Allentown Rescue Mission’s programs and services, visit https://www.allentownrescuemission.org/.

 

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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