Winter 2024 Safe Harbor Community News

Safe Harbor Community News

Winter 2024

Insights and Updates

Over the years, Safe Harbor has published many newsletters as a means to spread awareness, get the word out about events, and share stories about our supporters, staff, residents, and volunteers. We are so lucky to be able to continue this tradition with the first ‘re-worked’ edition of the Safe Harbor Community News. With this newsletter, we hope to offer a little bit of everything!

We will share info from each department, as well as exciting news, advocacy information, upcoming events, and resident celebrations. It is hard to keep up with all of the wonderful things that happen each day at Safe Harbor, but we hope to share as much good news as we can!

So, let’s start!

Did you know that since June 2023, 87% of the males and 83% of the females that have exited Safe Harbor moved into permanent, sustainable housing?

We are on a mission to keep this trend up. Despite some of the challenges we are facing in the year ahead, we are dreaming big and feeling confident we can continue to serve as many individuals as possible on their path to self-sufficiency. Please join us in our mission!

In Gratitude,

Jessica

Advocacy Corner: In Our Neighborhood

In most states all over the country, an organized effort is seeking to criminalize homelessness while attacking certain best practices like Housing First. In fact, on January 12, the United States Supreme Court announced it would hear the case of the City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, the first major case on homelessness to be heard by the Supreme Court since the eighties. This particular case addresses the issue of whether communities can fine, ticket, arrest, or otherwise punish people experiencing homelessness for sleeping on public property when no shelter is available.

This all comes on the heels of some major shifts in the housing sector and a concerning report that shows that the number of homeless individuals in America grew in 2023 as high costs of living took a toll on our communities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s 2023 annual homeless assessment report showed an almost 30% increase in the number of individuals entering homelessness.

Finally, an extensive report published by the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania analyzed the eviction filing data captured by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts over a five-year span starting July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2023. With the expiration of eviction moratoria and now the wind-down of Emergency Rental Assistance (ERAP) funding, Pennsylvania is witnessing a resurgence in eviction filings, approaching pre-pandemic levels. 87% of eviction filings are concentrated in 20 counties in Pennsylvania, with Chester County in 13th place. Over 90% of cases involve past due rent demonstrating that non-payment of rent continues to be a main driver for eviction filings and resulting evictions.

When you think homelessness and housing instability does not affect your community, all it takes is one quick look at the most recent data to see that this is an evolving and growing problem that we are facing in our very own neighborhoods.

Want to connect?

Let’s talk! jessica@safeaharborofcc.org

484-402-4258

Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Gaffallo

Mary is one of Safe Harbor’s committed volunteers who assists our kitchen programs weekly. She and at times her son supports the needs of our food donations we receive from our community partners Chik-Fil-A. These donations are essential in times when a hot meal or lunch is needed with minimal time to prep. Her dedication makes a huge impact in our daily operations. Thank you, Mary, for your continued support!

A note to all Safe Harbor Volunteers: A heartfelt thank you for your dedication and compassion. Your selfless contributions are the heartbeat of Safe Harbor, creating a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. Together, we make a difference!

Donation Needs

With your donations we can remain agents of change by supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity.

The individuals that we serve often come to our doors after experiencing significant trauma, challenge, and hopelessness. With your support, we start their path back to hope and self-sufficiency by first meeting their basic needs. This is often the first step towards a path of hope and opportunity for each individual.

Current Items of Need:

Gift Cards
Men’s & Women’s Clothing (L-3XL)
Lunch/Dinner Donations
Toilet Paper
Laundry Detergent

Check out our Amazon Wishlist to purchase items like these and have them delivered right to our front door!

Any donations that are being physically dropped off; we ask that it be Mon.-Fri. between 9:30am - 4:00pm. This will allow us to receive your donation properly and extend a receipt for your efforts. If you have any questions, please contact our volunteer manager, Chaleena Boggs.

Volunteer Opportunities

Safe Harbor has many opportunities for dedicated volunteers who can provide support many ways!

Kitchen Support
Shelter Support
Administrative Support
Special Projects
Fundraising & Events

These are just a few ways you can become part of the Safe Harbor family and be an active agent of change in our community!

If you're interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer, please reach out to us via email at Information@safeharborofcc.org. We'd be happy to provide you with more information, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the process of becoming a valued member of the Safe Harbor family.

Development Corner - Update on the Use of Funds

Dear Supporters,

As part of our commitment to transparency, we want to provide you with a recent update on the use of funds in our Development Corner.

Your generous contributions have played a crucial role in supporting various initiatives and projects. Here's a brief overview of how your donations are making an impact:

General operating support
Hot water heater replacement
Plumbing maintenance and repair
Covid protocol and support for communicable illnesses
Pest control services and devices
Resident support: Rental applications, security deposits, transportation and gas
Move out support: household goods, cleaning supplies, food, etc.
Computers
Software
New phone system (donated)
Paint (donated)
Space: Updated space reflective of trauma informed practices
Staff training: Staff trainings through Housing First University and National Alliance to End Homelessness, CPR/First Aid and emergency procedures, de-escalation and Narcan training (donated)

We believe in the importance of keeping you informed about the tangible results of your support. If you have any questions or would like more detailed information about a specific area of development, please feel free to reach out. Your continued trust and generosity are invaluable, and we are grateful for your ongoing support.

Thank you for being a vital part of our mission!

Warm regards,

Ruby Abouraya

Events