Twenty-four (24) attended the April 11, 2019, Greater Scranton Homeless Coalition meeting held at Temple Hesed in Scranton.
Welcome and deeply insightful reflection by Rabbi Daniel Swartz. (Rabbi Swartz's reflection distinguished between home-less and shelter-less. Everyone deserves a home, not just shelter. Home suggests permanency and stability. )
- Sandy W. reported that Keystone Mission still running and still offering programs, meals, and food/clothing distribution
- NEPA Youth Shelter – Benefit dinner
- April 16, 2019, at 5:00PM Juvenile Record Expungement Program
Lackawanna Pro Bono
Call: 570-961-2714
Visit: 233 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM
Attend a Free Information Session:
PA Careerlink, 135 Franklin Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
See flier.
- April 28, 2019, 12PM to 4PM, NEPA Youth Shelter Benefit Dinner Spaghetti & Meatballs
Villa Maria 2, 1610 Washburn St, Scranton PA
$12.00 Tickets
- May 1, 2019, 5:30PM to 8:30PM, Documentary: God Knows Where I Am
Documentary on mental illness and homelessness.
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine Street, Scranton, PA 18510
- April 12, 2019, at 10:00AM, NEPA Youth Shelter/CoC. Feasibility Youth shelter with housing for 18-24 years old feasibility meeting.
- Lackawanna Housing Coalition just launched a new website – lchousingcoalition.org
- June 7-8, 2019 – Free dental services at Mohegan Sun Arena. No eligibility requirements. Children 12 & under should go on Saturday. Mom PA Dental Missions. {After Meeting Note: Scranton Primary Healthcare in Scranton offers comprehensive dental services with three full-time dentists, one full-time hygienist, and two, part-time hygienists.}
- April 27, 2019, 7:30PM-9:00PM Calloway-We-Go Cabaret Show fundraiser at Temple Hesed.
- June 8, 2019, at 3:00PM, The Power of Women Event (The Women Behind Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) , St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming, Scranton
- Discussion of accessibility and van – people must get to the curb.
Updates on the Coalition & Future Directions Discussion
The group opened a frank discussion about the last nine months of the GSHC. The summary was that we will continue to obtain and distribute solid data and information; continue to make connections; identify and help fill "gaps" as feasible; and continue to involve more community groups, faith communities, educational organizations, and professional organizations.
- Attended and contributed to the food insecurity round-table sponsored by the Scranton Area Foundation was held on April 10. A report will be made by the Scranton Foundation.
- Keystone Mission is still open but has been re-evaluation. The missions till offers free meals on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday; alternating weeks with food and clothing distribution; second Saturday of month offering haircuts. Day room now closed for general access. Keystone open during day to connect people with a variety of programs. Keystone waiting on the City of Scranton regarding corrections that Keystone made in response to changing needs and recent news reports. Keystone submitted a bid on another building.
- Weston Field House partnership is still on for shelter when temperatures fall at or below 15 degrees – with supervision from Keystone.
- Lillian (Amerihealth) reported on the recent pasta dinner to benefit homeless veterans. The supporters raised around $5,500 at the sold-out event. Proceeds benefit St. Francis Commons.
- Meeting since last August. What are we getting out of this? Areas of concern? Where are we as a group?
- Andy – Persistence is paying off, and the connections being made.
- Sandy reported that Keystone has “Children’s Clothesline”. Kathy at Keystone is hoping to start a children’s program in Scranton. Children come in with their parents. Kids would play with each other inside. There were books and toys.
- At Keystone,take clothing donations inside rather than using the outside boxes, because the containers outside are for clothes they will not be using. Some of clothing goes to W-B. Now they are getting rid of Winter clothes.
- Housing Coalition discussed Code Blue and Code Red. Code red has not yet been activated.
- Are there enough facilities to meet the needs?
- Over the 9 months, Phil indicated the importance of being aware of what has been/is being done. What can faith communities do when there are gaps in the system? Being is aware is part of it. What can be done that is sustainable? Eg re-entry issues as a subset of the challenges. Sometimes cannot get out of prison for lack of place to go. What to do about homeless youth? Shannon got GSHC involved in this endeavor.
- Original meeting at U of Scranton precipitated by awareness that Bethel not opening but increasingly focus on obtaining solid information, data, and making connections.
- What are areas you would like to see faith communities address?
- Is there a mechanism to engage those being served as to where the gaps are?
Homeless Focus Group
Idea suggested and implementation started to sit with homeless individuals and listen to their successes, concerns, and needs. Sandy W. heading up small group to serve a meal at Keystone Mission followed by listening session with attendees. Will report back to GSHC and other groups with insights, needs, and potential gaps.
Serve a Meal and Visit with Homeless – Sandy Weidner convened the group. She solicited questions to ask them. Sandy will let GSHC know the date once it is set.
REQUEST: what questions would you ask a homeless person if you could? Please forward potential questions to greaterscrantonhomeless@abbacan.com by May 1, 2019.
Youth Homelessness Group
Discussion of NEPA Youth Shelter and active participation in the youth overnight shelter feasibility analysis. Youth – Melba reported on NEPA Youth Shelter (meeting included Melba, Colin, Shane & Mark). Open M-F, 3-9.
Returning Citizen Re-entry
Phil Y. coordinating discussions and action for addressing housing needs of returning citizens after imprisonment. Re-entry: Phil said there is an organized Re-entry group – Mostly government employees, children & youth, probation and parole – but it is open to anyone. Issues can be addressed & overcome by people conferencing with one another.
Next Meeting (Pending Confirmation)
TBD
Thank you for Rev. Mark Terwilliger for providing minutes.