Family Promise outlines community resource expansion and upcoming fundraiser event

The Homeless Task Force meeting held on May 16, 2025, in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, focused on the ongoing efforts to address homelessness in the region. Key discussions included updates from local shelters, plans for future services, and preliminary data on homelessness in the area.

Family Promise reported that their shelter is currently at full capacity, housing 29 individuals, including 11 adults and 18 children. The organization is actively working on several initiatives, including the establishment of a warming shelter for the upcoming winter and plans to develop community meals into a soup kitchen. Additionally, they announced a fundraising event titled "Rockin' for a Cause," scheduled for August 17, featuring a Rolling Stones cover band.

The meeting also touched on the importance of collaboration among agencies, with a reminder to maintain respect and cooperation in their efforts. Val from the commissioner’s office noted that the commissioners were attending an economic summit, which limited their input on encampment issues.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing preliminary reports from the Eastern Continuum of Care (COC) regarding homelessness statistics. The data indicated a slight decrease in the number of households experiencing homelessness compared to the previous year, with 11 households reported this year versus 19 last year. However, the cold weather shelter's operation was credited with making a positive impact on the situation.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring the situation and providing updates as more information becomes available. The collaborative efforts of local organizations and agencies remain crucial in addressing the challenges of homelessness in Carbon County.