HOMELESS ASSISTANCE

Funding is available through the EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT PROGRAM to assist area shelters and to encourage programs that combat homelessness.

The Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority provides funding from the federal Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) Program to assist local facilities help the homeless get back into permanent affordable housing as quickly as possible.  Organizations that operate emergency or transitional housing facilities for the homeless can apply for grants to offset the costs of operating and maintaining the facility as well as to provide services such as housing and budget counseling.  

Historically, the Lancaster County has received an average of $134,000 each year for the ESG Program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Over 70% of that amount has been spent for operating support of homeless shelters.  The remainder has been used to provide essential services for homeless individuals.  Organizations that have received ESG Program funds in the past include:  Crispus Attucks Community Center Shelter; Domestic Violence Services (DVS); Transitional Living Center (TLC); United Veterans Beacon House; Clare House; and Tabor’s Shelter to Independent Living Program.  

Crispus Attucks is a 20-bed emergency shelter facility for men, women and children.  The facility is located in the City of Lancaster .  

DVS is a 34-bed emergency shelter facility for victims of domestic violence and their dependent children. More information can be found at www.caplanc.org/dvslancastercounty.htm  

TLC is a 54-room transitional housing facility for men, women and children. The facility is located in the City of Lancaster . More information can be found at http://www.tlclancaster.org/  

United Veterans Beacon House is an 8-bed facility for male veterans coming out of the Veterans Administration program with nowhere to live. The facility is located in Akron Borough.  

Clare House is a 21-bed transitional housing facility for women and children. The facility is located in the City of Lancaster .  More information can be found at www.clarehouse.homestead.com  

Tabor Community Services operates the Shelter to Independent Living Program that assists homeless families from Lancaster County through housing and budget counseling to move back in to safe, decent, affordable housing as quickly as possible.  More information can be found at www.tabornet.org/housingcounseling/rentalcounseling.asp  

All organizations receiving funds from the County ESG must participate in the Interagency Council for the Homeless and be a member of the ServicePoint Homeless Management Information System.