June 11, 2019, at 6:30PM
Salvation Apostolic Temple (223 N Main Ave, Scranton, PA 18504 )
Moment of silence or short prayer focused on the story, The Star Thrower.
Twenty-three (23) people attended with several new participants. New participants included two representatives from the Scranton School District, the new executive director of Keystone Mission, Jason Behrens, and the new CoC Director at United Neighborhood Centers, Justin Marino.
- The Community Justice Project announced their new mobile-home-park initiative to improve living conditions in mobile home parks.
- The Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton announced its Family-centered Experience Program. The program matches medical college students with families facing chronic illness or disability. The program seeks volunteer families to participate.
- PA Opioid Overdose Session, Swartz Center for Spiritual Living, Marywood University, 1400 University Ave, Dunmore, PA 18509, June 20, 2019 from 10AM-2:30PM. Register.
4 Updates on the Coalition & Future Directions
- Awards
- The Greater Scranton Homeless Coalition won the 2019 Flying Dove award from the United Methodist Susquehanna Conference (peace & justice).
- (related) Countryside Community Church won the 2019 Harry Hosier Award from the United Methodist Susquehanna Conference for work related to homelessness and community (moves people from dependence to independence; works with people who are downtrodden and empowering them; and helps a congregation move from inactivity ).
- 2019 Point-in-Time (PIT) counts (the official, HUD homelessness numbers) presented by Justin Marino, Director for the CoC with United Neighborhood Centers. In 2019, the point-in-time count reflected 189 homeless people. See presentation slides.
- Justin Behrens spoke briefly about his new role as the Executive Director for Keystone Mission. Keystone is implementing new programs and assessing resources.
- Homelessness Prevention & Immediate Needs
- July 12, 2019 a Listening Session and Meal with Homeless Individuals will take place at Keystone Mission in Scranton. The group plans to host a picnic dinner. Coordinated by Sandy Weidner from Clarks Summit United Methodist.
- Re-entry
- In August 2019, the Re-Entry Subcommittee of the Greater Scranton Homeless will provide a basket for the basket raffle at the Second Chance Festival at Nay Aug Park, in Scranton. The Second Chance Festival benefits re-entry programs in Lackawanna County.
Thank you to Salvation Apostolic Temple for graciously offering space and support for this meeting.