Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley

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The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.

Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Description:
The Beall and Linny Fowler Hospitality House Emergency Shelter Program (HHESP) is located in The Rich Fleming Family Hope Center at 344 North 7th Street in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The HHESP provides shelter on an emergency basis to women and women with children. The HHESP, a 24-hour secure facility, addresses the needs of its guests by providing timely emergency shelter, nutritious meals (three meals and snacks per day), and the basic tools to help guests become more self-sufficient These tools include encouragement, classes, a required savings plan, and daily intensive case management. Since the HHESP is an emergency shelter, the length of stay is from one (1) to forty-five (45) days. The HHESP has nine (9) residential rooms, totaling forty five (45) available beds. Guests are required to attend weekly classes. These classes include: Lifeskills, Parenting, Budgeting, Shelter Group, GED, and Employability. With assistance from the case worker, residents are required to establish goals. Examples of theses goals include; obtaining and maintaining employment or training, obtaining a more permanent residence, attending classes, and saving money. In turn, working with the case worker, guests are required to meet goals within a specified time by partnering with other community agencies. The HHESP works closely with area agencies to assist its’ guests are knowledgeable of the resources available to them. By partnering with community agencies, the continuum of care is being provided.

The HHESP employs paid employees as well as volunteers. During the fiscal year July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006, the HHESP utilized 39 unduplicated non-paid workers with a total of 1,161 hours.

The main objective of the HHESP is to provide women and children a safe, supportive shelter and services. During the fiscal year July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006, the HHESP provided 8,956 nights of emergency shelter. The residence assisted a total of 450 unduplicated individuals: 116 mothers, 214 children, and 120 singles.

During the 2005-2006 fiscal year, the residence prepared and served 22,747 meals and 15,233 snacks to guests and their children.

Of the 236 head of household (mothers & singles) that entered during the fiscal year 2005- 2006; 85 stated that they were White/Non- Hispanic, 77 stated that they were White/Hispanic, 57 stated that they were Black/Non-Hispanic, 13 stated that they were Black/Hispanic and 2 Black/White/Non Hispanic, 1 Black/White/Hispanic and 1 stated that they were Asian/Non-Hispanic. Of the 214 children entered, 29 were White/Non- Hispanic, 92 were White/Hispanic, 53 were Black/Non-Hispanic, 26 were Black/Hispanic, 12 were Black/White Non-Hispanic, and 2 Black/White/Hispanic.

Contact people:

Emil Solla, Office Manager, (phone), (email) Jennifer Carl Holecz, (phone), (email)

Address:

344 North 7th Street Allentown, PA 18102 (See a map)

Directions:

Nearest Bus Stop: H-7th and Gordon, out front minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Here are our special events...
	Looking for teachers for classes. Available weekly classes include: Budgeting, Parenting, Job readiness, Life skills (evenings 6 pm-7pm) Criminal and child abuse checks are required for all volunteers.
Number of clients/community members we serve in a year...
	450
Number of volunteers utilized in a year...
	39