Carbon commissioners approve grant for homeless shelter in Nesquehoning

The Carbon County Commissioners have given their thumbs-up to a grant for a proposed homeless shelter in Nesquehoning.

The commissioners voted 3-0 on Thursday to approve execution of a $30,000 grant, which will be given to Family Promise of Carbon County.

The nonprofit has proposed a shelter at the former St. Francis of Assisi Church and rectory, 140 W. Mill St. in Nesquehoning.

The vote was delayed from the previous week’s commissioner’s meeting. Commissioner Chris Lukasevich had said he wanted assurance from the nonprofit that they would provide space for single homeless women, and Commissioner Rocky Ahner was absent.

At Thursday’s meeting he thanked Family Promise for clarifying that they are dedicated to serving that population.

“There are no providers in the county for single family women experiencing homelessness. They recognize that problem,” he said.

The county applied for the grant from the Monroe Local Share Account last year on behalf of Family Promise, before Lukasevich and Ahner joined the board.

The county previously earmarked an additional $50,000 in Community Development Block Grant Funds for Family Promise. The cost of the property is $80,000.

Family Promise of Carbon County was formed in 2009 to meet the need of homeless families in the county and has reported an 85% success rate in helping families find long term, stable, permanent housing.

In 2018, the organization oversaw 9,604 volunteer hours helping the homeless, served 4,587 meals and provide 2,947 bed nights, totaling over $372,000 in in-kind services to their clients.