AllOne Foundation & Charities staff members were honored to attend a ribbon cutting at Keystone Mission’s Center for Homelessness and Poverty on June 17th as Keystone Mission, along with Wilkes Barre Mayor, George Brown announced the opening of a permanent overnight shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.
In 2021, AllOne Charities worked collaboratively with the NEPA Health Care Foundation to provide $40,000 in support for overnight shelter for individuals during Code Blue emergencies, which are declared to protect people during extreme weather conditions. With a grant from the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Keystone Mission is now able to offer overnight shelter on a permanent, year-round basis.
Spearheaded by Mayor Brown and the Wilkes-Barre City Council, Keystone Mission received the $109,500 ARPA grant to complete necessary upgrades to the Center’s space and for overnight staffing for the next year.
During the ribbon cutting event, Keystone Mission CEO and Executive Director Danielle Keith-Alexandre stated, “this is something that is definitely needed for this community, and we’re grateful to the city for stepping up to the task and making sure individuals can come to a place where they can get services not just during the day but having shelter at night.”
The shelter can accommodate up to 50 individuals. There is space for both men and women to sleep, as well as room for a family. It offers full showers, bathrooms, a closet of donated clothing, and laundry machines. During the day, there are educational programs and activities in the Center’s main room and individuals can be assisted with obtaining identifying documentation and completing housing applications. Guests may also access free meals and haircuts.
Pictured in photo: Wilkes Barre Mayor George Brown speaks surrounded by (L to R): Wilkes Barre City Council Chairperson Bill Barrett, Wilkes Bare Council Member Jessica McClay, Keystone Mission CEO Danielle Keith-Alexandre, and Wilkes Barre Council Vice Chairperson Tony Brooks
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