Greater Valley YMCA, Allentown Branch to Open Warming Station November 1, 2020

During these unprecedented times, we know that support for our neighbors experiencing homelessness is essential.  On November 1st, the Greater Valley YMCA, Allentown Branch will be opening the Warming Station for its third season.  The Station’s operations, policies and procedures will be informed by prevailing CDC guidelines and sheltering best practices.  While some features of the Station will change to promote the health and safety of all staff and guests, most program aspects will remain the same.

 

The Warming Station will open on Sunday, November 1st and operate from 7:00pm to 7:00am daily.  The Station is open to single men and women, with designated sleeping areas for both.  The Station is overseen by trained YMCA staff at all times, offering support, socialization, and weekly medical access via Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Street Medicine Program.  As the Y began last season, the Station will also offer supper meals to guests Monday through Thursday.

 

To promote social distancing, the Station’s operations have been moved to the Y's small gym.  Beds will be placed six feet apart, with the Y maintaining an overflow plan for nights when need is higher than beds available beginning in December.  “We know given the eviction notices at the local tent city, as well as the economic impacts of the pandemic, the Warming Station is a community resource needed now more than ever. Our team is working hard to make sure we can continue operating the Station as safely as possible. We’re thankful to all who have stuck by the Y during the pandemic helping us keep programs like these open, and to our community partners who help fund the program,” comments David Fagerstrom, President/CEO of the Greater Valley YMCA.

 

The Warming Station is a collaborative community program, made possible thanks to support from Lehigh County, the City of Allentown, City Center Allentown, Downtown Allentown Community Development Initiative, First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, an anonymous donor, as well as dozens of additional individual donors, businesses, and organizations.  Those interested in making a donation supporting the Warming Station are encouraged to visit www.gv-ymca.org/donate.