Family Shelter
In the Family Shelter of Water Street Mission, we desire to create an environment of accountability and responsibility. This is rescue work, and the intensity can be similar to an emergency room setting. Some of our families are escaping dangerous situations while others have been living in survival mode for many years. Others have experienced financial difficulties and need time to save money before starting on their own again. Water Street Mission’s goal is to help clients address the emotional, social and psychological impact of homelessness on their family while helping them find employment and a place to call home.
Provisions
Water Street Mission offers families warm, safe shelter, three meals a day, clothing/toiletries as needed and the love of Jesus Christ. Beyond the initial 30-day stay, clients may request shelter extensions on a monthly basis. It is during this extended stay that families begin to participate in classes about emotions, healthy relationships, sexual integrity, anger management, etc.
With the addition of the Family Shelter, Water Street Mission can now help three types of Lancaster County families that it previously could not serve:
- Single moms with boys over age 12
- Single dads with children of any age
- A husband and wife with children
While parents are looking for work or an apartment, optional enrollment is available in WSMission’s
Learning and Career Center (GED, computer literacy, and money management) as well as Addiction Recovery Workshops and Childcare Classes. Weekly sessions with a WSMission counselor include biblical counseling, case management, and discussions of needs and goals. Through partnerships with local organizations/agencies, staff can also clearly direct clients to the exact community services they need most.
Playtime for children is provided during morning devotions, evening chapel, and other WSMission classes in which a woman may enroll. Clients are responsible for their children during all other times.
History
The Family Shelter is one of the newest ways Water Street Mission is serving the community. It offers 9 family units where parents can stay with their children in an emergency situation. It is the first of its kind in Lancaster County!
Previously a dorm for men, the Family Shelter was renovated during the year-long project made possible by the Expanding Boundaries to Rescue Lives campaign.
In December 2007, we welcomed our first family into the Family Shelter. Barbara had been becoming emotionally exhausted after two months of living with her three daughters in Water Street Mission’s Women Shelter while her three sons, who were too old to live in the Women’s Shelter, were sleeping in Barbara’s van, in churches, or at friends’ houses. Opening the first unit of our Family Shelter allowed Barbara's family to be united. After moving in, the family commented on how thankful they were for the simple things, like beds, showers, and clean clothes.
Checking In
The Family Shelter offers help to families in Lancaster County. If a family outside of Lancaster County calls Water Street Mission for help, staff will refer that family to shelters in their own county where help can more easily been accessed.
If you wish to access our Family Shelter please call (717)393-7709 x331 for an assessment.
To learn more about our programs, click on the links at the left.
Other Options
In addition to our Family Shelter we are serving the community by providing a referral network to other housing options for families. If you are an adult with children call (717)358-2076.