12 Dec Scranton Area Community Foundation Provides Critical Needs Grant for Emergency Shelter During Winter Months

Scranton, PA – In January 2022, the Scranton Area Community Foundation provided a grant for Keystone Mission’s Emergency Shelter – Code Blue in Lackawanna County. Since receiving the grant, Keystone Mission has provided 241 shelter stays and hired staff to increase the level of care. The Mission currently partners with Weston Field House in Scranton to open an emergency shelter from November to March when “code blue” alerts are in effect. 

This winter shelter serves people who are homeless and who might otherwise remain unsheltered during periods of extreme winter weather. The shelter provides a place of warmth where guests will receive rest for the night and protection from the weather conditions while being provided a warm meal and shower access. Shelter staff assist with intake, building relationships, and directing guests toward additional resources such as obtaining government IDs, food, clothes, and access to seek medical treatment from community agencies.

Funds have allowed for greater community partnerships like Weston Field House and have allowed relief in shelters like St. Anthony’s Haven. When a “code blue” alert is issued, local agencies and individuals such as the Dioceses of Scranton, the Community Intervention Center, The City of Scranton, and our local state representative are notified to help direct individuals to our program.

“No one deserves to live in harsh weather, and I am happy to have Code Blue in NEPA,” says Justin Behrens, CEO & Executive Director. “This allows us to keep them safe and allow them to work on transforming their lives for the better. Thank you to each community partner that desires to bring relief and proper resources to the homeless.”