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Council discusses shelter wait conditions; mayor says city provided funding and owner exploring heated waiting area
Summary
Council members raised concerns about people waiting outside Keystone Mission in cold weather; the mayor said the city gave Keystone $309,000 and that the mission and a property owner have discussed enclosing a dock area to provide a heated waiting space.
Council members raised concerns at the Dec. 19 Wilkes-Barre City Council work study about people waiting outdoors in cold weather before Keystone Mission opens for evening shelter services. Councilman Burke reported seeing about 20 people waiting outside in the dark and urged the city and Keystone Mission to consider interim measures so people are not forced to stand in subfreezing temperatures.
The mayor told the council the city provided Keystone Mission $309,000 in funding and said the mission’s executive director, Danielle, has been working with the new owner of a nearby property on a plan to enclose a dock area to create a heated space for people to wait while staff clean and prepare the facility for overnight guests. The mayor explained the mission serves breakfast, lunch and a light dinner and must prepare showers and cots during a midday window, which limits when people can go inside.
Council members and staff discussed possible temporary solutions such as heaters, a heated bay or enclosure, but noted funding and logistics remain constraints. The mayor said any enclosure or interim waiting area depends on the property owner’s cooperation and securing funds.
The mayor also said the city has opened a men’s shelter at a facility above the visitors office kitchen with hours that accommodate evening stays and noted Keystone Mission provides daytime meals. Council members asked staff to continue working with the mission and potential property partners to identify feasible, weather‑permitting solutions.
The transcript records the discussion and the funding figure; it does not show a formal motion committing additional city funding during the session.
Looking ahead: council members said they would follow up with Keystone Mission leadership and relevant property owners to explore enclosed or heated waiting areas and to identify funding sources if required.
