State College group addresses homelessness in central PA

Celebrating+with+our+no+longer+homeless+clients%21+-+photo+and+caption+from+the+H4H+Facebook+page

photo courtesy H4H of State College

“Celebrating with our no longer homeless clients!” – photo and caption from the H4H Facebook page

Many people falsely assume that homelessness is just a big city problem.  However, a growing number of individuals and families in central Pennsylvania also find themselves in this situation and there is often a lack of local resources to help.

Ginny Poorman of State College recognized this problem and started an organization to address homelessness in central Pennsylvania called Hearts for Homeless, a community funded non-profit group located in downtown State College.

The amount of people who don’t know there are homeless people in State College is very high, so spreading awareness is very important

— Ginny Poorman

“[Being a community funded group] means we don’t apply for government grants and so we depend on the generosity of our community,” said Poorman.

According to their website, the organization’s goal is to “meet real physical needs by giving away necessities such as clothing, medical supplies, food, and toiletries to the homeless.”

The group provides basic necessities and a safe place for the homeless to gather during the day.  They also assist those at-risk of becoming homeless.

Hearts for the Homeless began in 2008 when Poorman’s church in State College handed out necessities to the homeless on the streets of Pittsburgh to help them cope with the long, cold winter.  The experience moved Poorman and others to start this local organization.

Today Hearts for Homeless runs a daytime shelter at 100 South Frazier Street in State College, open Monday through Friday from 9 am until 6 pm. They also run donation drives and help the homeless to find a place to stay until they can get back on their feet.

When asked what young people can do to help the homeless, Poorman encouraged students to volunteer at the shelter with a parent or teacher, and talk about homelessness with their friends and family.  To Poorman, awareness of the problem is a key first step.

“The amount of people who don’t know there are homeless people in State College is very high, so spreading awareness is very important,” said Poorman.

Local businesses have also recognized the problem and stepped up to help Poorman’s group.

Hearts for Homeless has partnered with local restaurants to provide lunches, hotels to provide rooms at a reduced cost, and they have even found a local landlord who will rent apartments at a reduced rate until their clients can get back on their feet.

hearts for homelesss

“At our last count we had successfully assisted 102 people with the transformation from homelessness to a more stable living situation, whether that be a place of their own or with family,” said Poorman.

Currently the program has 22 clients in the transitional apartment program and 15 more who currently do not have a place to live. Another seven live in shelters.  Many current and former clients even help out with the program.

In addition to accepting donations, they hold benefit dinners.  From time to time they will get drivers to move furniture into the new apartments of the homeless.  They are also working on a program to help the homeless find employment.

According to Poorman, anyone can join and help with the group.

For those interested, the group has a website and a Facebook page that updates the group’s activities.  Poorman recommends connecting with the group through their Facebook page.