Groups eye permanent homeless shelter

From Bethlehem-

While the homeless community in Wyoming Valley mourns the loss of two of its members, several organizations are engaged in discussions to bring a permanent homeless shelter to downtown Wilkes-Barre by fall.

Catholic Social Services, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, United Way and the Commission on Economic Opportunity have been talking about establishing a permanent shelter to address a growing need in the community.

“We need a location where the homeless can walk to the shelter and walk to the services they need,” said Monsignor Joseph Kelly, diocesan executive director of Catholic Social Services. “It will take our community to meet these needs.”

REACH Inc., a drop-in center operating in the basement of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on South Franklin Street, will close July 1 because of budgetary constraints.

More here-

http://www.timesleader.com/news/Groups_eye_permanent_homeless_shelter_06-06-2011.html