With a cold front bringing below-zero temperatures to Lancaster County over the Christmas weekend, Lancaster County’s homelessness support network is setting up a temporary pop-up “Code Blue” winter shelter.
The Lancaster County Food Hub is providing space for the shelter at the garage at its building, 812 N. Queen St., Lancaster. It is heated, secure and has access to on-site bathrooms, Executive Director Paige McFarling said.
It will operate both as a drop-in daytime “warming station” and as an overnight shelter for adults. McFarling estimated its overnight capacity at up to 50 people. More can be accommodated during the day, she said.
The setup is being spearheaded by the Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition and its parent organization, the Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority. The shelter is on track to open at noon Friday and continue operations through 10 a.m. the Tuesday after Christmas.
Cots and other materials are being sourced through local emergency services. A donation has even been made to provide for a Christmas tree, McFarling said.
Planners previously considered locating the shelter at a garage at Tenfold, 306 E. King St., but that site did not have heat.
Organizers are recruiting individuals to staff the shelter; positions pay $30 per hour. For more information and to apply, contact Stacey Ebersole at sebersole@lchra.com.
