15 Dec Emergency Shelter – Code Blue in Luzerne County Awarded Grant Funds by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

Wilkes-Barre, PA –Through the generosity of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Keystone Mission was awarded $15,000 in grant funds to support the operation of their Luzerne County Emergency Shelter – Code Blue.

This year, Keystone Mission is hosting the shelter in their Transformation Center in Wilkes-Barre. The residents of the center help with the initial setup of the cots as part of their vocational experience and volunteer therapy initiatives.

“Keystone Mission uses Code Blue not only to provide shelter during harsh temperatures but is a tool to reach the homeless and change their lives to become independent members of the community,” says Justin Behrens, CEO & Executive Director.

The goal of the temporary shelter is to provide rest and a warm night’s stay during harsh winter conditions while connecting individuals experiencing homelessness to proper mental and physical healthcare, counseling services, life-skills training, and job and housing programs.

“We’re proud to support this important initiative,” said Katie Kemmerer, Regional Manager of Community Affairs for Highmark. “Through this collaboration with Keystone Mission, we can help ensure that all members of our community are safe and have access to the services they need to succeed.”