"No Safe Haven for the Homeless" The Reach Program Closed

WILKES-BARRE, PA. - Friday was the last day for the Reach Program's many years of service to the homeless. Due to budget cuts, this wonderful "safe haven" for the less fortunate has been closed.

"The Reach", located at St. Stephens Church on S. Franklin st. was a day shelter for the homeless of Wilkes-barre and surrounding towns. Although this "safe haven" was open only for a few hours a day, it gave the homeless a place to shower, eat, and drink. Then after, watch some TV and relax. The Reach allowed the homeless to get out of the restless streets and into an environment where they can refresh.

The Reach Program was not only for freshening up, there were professional staff on duty. The staff had the resources for the homeless men and women such as shelter, food pantries, job agencies, and other organizations they would benefit.

Also, a clothing bank was open to the homeless community. Multiple racks of clothes for men, women, and children is what occupied the basement of St. Stephens Church.

The Reach Program held there own food pantry every Wednesday. The food, donated from many people, was the highlight of there week.

We counted on "The Reach". Yes, I said "we". The reason being is, I used to be homeless at one time. Suffering on the cold streets with nowhere to go. I was scared and to afraid and embarrassed to sleep outside on a bench. I would stay up all night and then head to "The Reach". I, as a homeless teen, depended on that program for a couple of years. They helped me get back on my feet. In my opinion, it is a shame they closed.

What are the homeless going to do now? Where can they get out of the heat or for that matter, the blistering cold when winter comes in only five months?

Unfortunatley, the homeless shelters in this area are sometimes packed and people have to be put on waiting lists.

I have compiled a list of what all was done for the homeless at The Reach Program.

1. Helped find housing

2. Food pantry

3. Clothing bank

4. Helped with job placement

5. Helped with budgeting

6. Helped with filling out applications

7. Counceling services

8. Support

9. Supplied showers

Most importantly,

10. Provided a "Safe Haven"