• Ripple Community, Inc. (RCI) appeared before the Allentown Zoning Hearing Board in February and March regarding plans to convert the former Emmanuel UCC building into a community center with 12 apartments. At both hearings, some aspects of the RCI project were opposed by neighbors. Attorneys for both sides then filed final arguments with the Zoning Board, and the Board made it’s decision on zoning variance requests at its April 8th meeting. (more…)

Lehigh Valley Church-Related Housing

• Greater Shiloh Church – Easton

• New affordable housing complex ‘Shiloh Commons’ in the works on Canal Street in Easton   (WFMZ: Apr. 20, 2022)
• Shiloh Manor, completed July 1993 (58 units)
• Nehemiah House – Christian transitional housing – male drug & alcohol recovery
• Shiloh Restoration Center – for people with mental health issues who have been in prison

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The January 2023 and November 2022 issues of Justice & Advocacy news provide an overview of current housing crisis and what are the major factors that contribute to the crisis. Here are a few references for additional reading; and look for updates here this winter and spring.

Inequality

A Rising Tide Drowns Unstable Boats: How Inequality Creates Homelessness (AAPSS April 2, 2021)
Exposing the impact of social inequality (Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson)
The Growing Divide (Charts: United for a Fair Economy)

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• Bill White’s editorial and blog provide an overview of current homeless sheltering programs in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. That includes the winter shelter at the Allentown YMCA, Salvation Army, Sixth Street Shelter, Family Promise, Rescue Mission; Safe Harbor in Easton, and Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering Program. Evidently, the Lehigh Valley Rapid Results 100 Day Challenge on Homelessness is focused on Allentown only.
• The LVHN Street Medicine team provides healthcare for homeless folks in the Lehigh Valley. The team sets up clinics at soup kitchens (more…)