From Allentown via Chicago-
New Bethany Ministries, which has attacked the homeless problem in Bethlehem for nearly 25 years, has the final $250,000 it needs to launch its first project in Allentown.
At a news conference Monday, community leaders announced the funding that completes a $460,000 plan to turn a former Grace Episcopal Church building at 112 N. Fifth St. into a group home.
Unlike the temporary housing shelter nearby at Allentown Rescue Mission, the six single-occupancy rooms at the old Grace building would be permanent residences for those without a home.
''While we aren't going to end homelessness immediately, we can take small steps toward that end,'' said Jeff Miller, New Bethany Ministries interim executive director. ''Grace House will effectively end homelessness for six people. For those six people, that's all the difference in the world.''
The facility is part of Allentown's 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness, defined as living on the streets for more than a year or having four episodes of homelessness in three years.
In October, Allentown officials announced the plan is on track to end chronic homelessness by 2017. At that news conference, officials identified 214 chronically homeless people.
New Bethany is one of dozens of groups working on the plan.
More here-
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/all-a5_4homeless2.71649172feb02,0,4439195.story
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