Salvation Army Allentown Receives $250,000 in State Funds for Community Center and Shelter
State investment will support critical renovations; check presented during annual community event providing more than 1,500 backpacks and 2,000 toys to local students
The Salvation Army Allentown Corps received $250,000 in state funding to support critical renovations to its Corps facilities and emergency shelter serving women with children experiencing homelessness in the Lehigh Valley.
Pennsylvania State Sen. Nick Miller joined Salvation Army leaders for a ceremonial check presentation recognizing the funding, which was secured through the state's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). The investment will help modernize the community center and shelter with a new roof, HVAC upgrades, electrical and lighting improvements, kitchen and bathroom renovations, updated flooring and signage, improved entryways and sidewalk enhancements.
“We think regionally about how we can continue to improve our communities, not just here in Allentown, but across the Lehigh Valley,” said Sen. Miller. “We know the challenges we are facing as a community in the housing space. Affordability has been a crisis across the region. You guys continue to step up… I want to thank all the folks up here, and your staff and your volunteers, for your partnership, for our community here in the Lehigh Valley and Allentown.”
The Allentown Corps provides emergency shelter for women with children experiencing homelessness. In addition to providing a safe place to stay, The Salvation Army works with families through case management and other support designed to help them work toward greater stability and permanent housing.
"We're here to celebrate the awarding of critically needed state funds that will support not only our community center, but also our shelter," said Lt. Col. Edgar George Jr., Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division. "These funds will help us serve our community because we are in this together. My sincere thanks to Sen. Miller for joining our mission to serve the community."
The check presentation took place during The Salvation Army Allentown Corps' 22nd annual Backpack Giveaway and Community Street Fair. For families already managing tight household budgets, back-to-school expenses can create an added financial strain. With support from 23 sponsors, 18 vendors and 100 volunteers, the Corps distributed more than 1,500 backpacks filled with school supplies to local children in grades 1 through 12. Highmark Wholecare and Jefferson Health Plans served as platinum sponsors.
"The purpose of this backpack event goes far beyond providing school supplies – it is about bringing hope, support, encouragement and opportunity to children and families across Allentown," said Capt. Maria Corraliza, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army Allentown Corps. "Every child deserves the opportunity to walk into their first day of school feeling confident, prepared and excited for the year ahead. We are incredibly grateful to Sen. Miller for recognizing the importance of this facility and investing in our ability to serve the Allentown community."
The annual event helps ease some of those costs while connecting families with community organizations, resources and support services. The street fair also featured activities and refreshments, while partnerships with Hands in Service, Toys for Tots and Good360 provided 2,000 new toys for children ages 6 to 13.
To learn more about The Salvation Army Allentown Corps and its programs and services, visit https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/eastern-pennsylvania/allentown/.
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware is a faith-based, comprehensive human service organization whose programs help individuals, families, and whole communities lead healthier, safer, and more productive lives. Since 1879, the Army has held a record of accomplishment stemming from its holistic approach to providing for the needs of the whole individual – physically, emotionally, economically and spiritually. The Army’s programming serves every zip code through 43 community centers and a network of volunteers throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Delaware. Programs and services historically include: shelter, hot meals, counseling, early childhood development, recreational opportunities, music programs, after-school arts and educational programs, job training, activities for older adults, spiritual development, and drug rehabilitation.
Mission Statement: 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.
For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyPendel.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @salarmypendel.