WILKES-BARRE, PA—Last week, the horrific fire at Genetti Apartments took one life and left people displaced who are now seeking help from their community. Keystone Mission and Restored Church are combining forces to open a 24/7 Emergency Shelter. That shelter will open Monday, February 7, and will be in operation for up to four weeks.

The Emergency Shelter will formally open at 9:00 a.m. on Monday. The families and individuals, who were displaced from the fire at Genetti will be able to have a place to stay temporarily and seek services. The Keystone Mission is hiring a full support staff that will be present while operations are happening at the temporary emergency shelter.

Keystone Mission’s goal is to partner with Luzerne County agencies that will meet with each family or individual to provide resources and services. The hope is for each family or individual to find permanent housing, to find stable employment, and be set up for success. The endgame is for this situation to not happen again for the people.  

The success of the families and individuals will only happen through the partnership of Keystone Mission, Restored Church, and surrounding county agencies. At the church, a room is being dedicated to invite the agencies in and sit down with the people staying at the temporary emergency shelter.

A follow-up caseworker is being hired at the Keystone Mission. The individual’s sole role is to keep in touch with the families or individuals after they have been placed. The transition may be difficult but that is why building a community of support is essential for the success of the people.

Until Monday, the Emergency Shelter – Code Blue located at Calvary Bible Church on S. River Street will be available for those displaced by the fire.

“I am so thankful to Pastor Tim Walker and Pastor Tim Morris at Restored Church. Their heart and love for the city and people of Wilkes-Barre is being shown through opening their church to host the temporary emergency shelter. Both pastors are stepping in to provide a solution at a critical time,” says Justin Behrens, CEO & Executive Director.

Restored Church is bringing in a mobile shower and laundry unit that will be fully stocked with relief backpacks from Baptist Resource Network’s Disaster Relief Department. Pastor Tim W., Pastor Tim M., and their congregation are ready to greet each person that has been displaced by the fire.

A dedicated line has been established by Keystone Mission for those who have been displaced by the fire. You can call in and speak with a Life Coach at 570-871-4795 ext. 300.

If you would like to make a monetary donation towards the temporary emergency shelter, please visit www.KeystoneMission.org/go/emergency-shelter to make your contributions.