Our contributor Tess came face to face with a very real problem that exists here in our own neighborhoods. Below is not just a story it is a real life experience that opened her eyes and her heart. Tess along with our photographer Jonathan Hill took action to not only try and help a few individuals but to also shed light on a topic that is all too often over looked as we hustle along with our own busy lives.
-The Valley Ledger-
Article By: Tess Barrall
Photos By: Jonathan Hill
This has been a very difficult article to write. About two weeks ago, I saw a homeless man eating out of a can. As I looked closer, I noticed it wasn’t soup or chili but dog food that this man was eating. So hungry, he opened it outside of the food shopping center where he had just had enough change to buy it. I saw the looks from others, maybe he didn’t care or pretended not to notice; but eating a slice of pizza in the next door pizza shop by the window, my stomach turned. I walked up to the counter and ordered another slice. When it was ready, I took it to the man on the side walk eating the dog food. Not many words were exchanged, but his eyes watered with tears as I handed him the pizza. He thanked me verbally but the appreciation in his eyes are hard to put into words. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I wanted to do something. How many of us are a paycheck away from being homeless or hungry and how cruel can some be to point and laugh at that misfortune.
Last week I went out and bought as much bread, cheese, and lunchmeat as I could, along with water, apples and bananas. I set out on a mission to feed the homeless, the hungry or anyone in our community for that matter who needed a bottle of water, a piece of fruit or a sandwich on that hot day. It was hard to get them to trust me. I ended up meeting Nick, who was a veteran and was once homeless as well. He told me where to go and whom to ask for so maybe I could develop some trust. I was able to get a few to speak to me, but many ran. I left bags of food and water, hoping they would return once I had left.
This is an ongoing problem, not just in our local community but all around America. I came up with an idea, that everyone could easily do… the next time you go to the store, or if you have extra supplies in your home; build a care package bag. Fill it with a couple dollars, hygiene products, some candy and/or snacks and keep it in your car. The next time you see someone in need, hand it to them. It will warm your heart as much as it will theirs. As I stated, many of us are just a paycheck or two away from being in the same position. Help one another and spread love to those who feel forgotten or have fallen on hard times. There is a list of shelters and donation centers below. Give it forward! Big thanks to The Valley Ledger and Jonathan Hill, owner of depictions photography for helping me get the word out. No one should have to live homeless and hungry but sadly, many do.
Here are some locations and Information of place you can contact to help or get help.
Shelters
Allentown Rescue Mission 355 W. Hamilton St., PO Box 748, Allentown, PA 18105 610-740-5500 After Hours: 610-740-5503 Emergency homeless shelter. Clothing and personal care items (for individuals in the shelter). *Must be an adult male (ages 18+).
The Beall and Linny Fowler Hospitality House of the Salvation Army 344 N. 7th St., Allentown, PA 18102 610-432-0128 Emergency shelter for women and children. Bilingual staff available. Also has transitional housing longer term.
Easton Area Neighborhood Center (Roof Over) 902 Philadelphia Rd., Easton, PA 18042 610-253-4253 *Women and children only.
Lehigh County Conference of Churches: Emergency Shelter-Warming Center Allentown, PA 18102 610-433-6421 For Men, Women, and Families Open daily 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. from November 1st to April 30th
New Bethany Ministries 337 Wyandotte St., Bethlehem, PA 18015 610-691-5602 Transitional shelter (non-emergency) for homeless women and children. Transitional shelter (non-emergency) for homeless adults. Supportive housing program for men (Single Room Occupancy), located in Coplay. 610-691-2955. Transitional housing program for women and children: Restoration House. Must be employed and pursuing educational/vocational goals.
Pathways (Lehigh County Conference of Churches) 610-439-8653 Information and referral services for housing and emergency shelter.
Safe Harbor 536 Bushkill Dr., Easton, PA 18042 610-258-5540 *Adult men and women only.
Salvation Army Hospitality House 344 N. 7th St., Allentown, PA 18102 610-432-0129 or 610-432-0128 *Women and children.
Sixth Street Shelter 219 N. 6th St. Allentown, PA 18102 610-435-1490 Shelter (non-emergency) for homeless families. Transitional Housing Program up to 2 years for families pursuing educational/vocational goals: Turner Street Apartments.
Third Street Alliance for Women & Families 41 N. 3rd St., Easton, PA 18042 610-258-6271 *Women and children only.
Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley, Inc. Allentown–PO Box 1705, Allentown, PA 18105 610-437-3369 (24-hr hotline) Bethlehem–PO Box 5355, Bethlehem, PA 18015 610-867-6477 or 610-868-5454 *Victims of domestic violence–women and children only. Men are referred out. Has Spanish speaking staff.
Valley Youth House 539 8th Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-691-1200 *Adolescents ages 12-17 only. Shelter, Crisis situations/Project Child Line.
Victory House of Lehigh Valley 314 Fillmore St., P.O. Box 5458, Bethlehem, PA 18015 610- 691-3373 Emergency shelter and transitional housing program. *Serves homeless adult males.
Food Banks
Second Harvest Food Bank
2045 Harvest Way Allentown, PA 18104
(610) 434-0875
Allentown Area Ecumenical Food
534 Chew St. Allentown, PA 18102
(610) 821-1332
The Pennsylvania Avenue Interfaith Food Pantry
1900 Pennsylvania Ave. Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 694-9670
Pennsylvania Avenue Interfaith
1900 Pennsylvania Ave. Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 694-9670
Northampton Area Food Bank
1559 Franklin St. Northampton, PA 18067
(610) 262-5224
Catasauqua Ministerium Food Bnk
527 Front St. Catasauqua, PA 18032
(610) 264-8366
Northampton Area Food Bank
1601 Canal St. Northampton, PA 18067
(610) 262-8030
West Bethlehem Food Bank
514 3rd Ave Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 865-8216
Betty Lou’s Food Pantry
333 E Oxford St. Coopersburg, PA 18036
(610) 282-2838
Quakertown Food Pantry
101 S 3rd St # B Quakertown, PA 18951
(215) 536-0240
Northern Lehigh Food Bank
7884 Center St. Slatington, PA 18080
(610) 767-9525
Nazareth Area Food Bank
529 S Main St. Nazareth, PA 18064
(610) 365-8869
Mission of Love Food Bank
555 N Main St. Bangor, PA 18013
(610) 599-0369
