National Homelessness Awareness Month, observed every November, is an opportunity to raise awareness about the realities of homelessness, reduce stigma, and encourage action.
By dedicating a month to focus on this issue, people in social services hope to educate the public, influence policy, and mobilize resources to support those in need.
Awareness campaigns highlight the human stories behind the statistics, fostering community-driven solutions.
Understanding homelessness requires challenging common misconceptions. Many people believe homelessness is a choice or the result of personal failings. In reality, most individuals experiencing homelessness want stable housing and are facing circumstances beyond their control.
Other myths include the idea that homelessness only affects adults or people in large cities, but homelessness often includes families and children, and the issue extends into small towns and rural communities. Another hard truth is that many of the families living in our region are only a paycheck or two away from homelessness themselves.
Experiencing homelessness can have profound effects on physical and mental health, educational attainment, employment opportunities, and overall well-being. Individuals without stable housing often lack access to basic services such as healthcare, nutritious food, and sanitation.
Homelessness in Pennsylvania mirrors national patterns. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, over 12,000 Pennsylvanians faced homelessness nightly in 2023, and over 14,000 people experienced homelessness in 2024. Not only do major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh report high numbers, but rural regions such as Central Pa are increasingly affected as well.
Focusing just on Lycoming County, for example, recent counts include many families and children who experience homelessness at some point during the year.
Children experiencing homelessness face disruptions in schooling, which can hinder their academic and social development.
Chronic homelessness also exposes individuals and families to increased risks of violence, illness, and social isolation.
While the numbers may fluctuate seasonally, local service providers note challenges such as limited shelter beds, a shortage of affordable housing, and rising housing costs.
Addressing homelessness requires a coordinated response from government agencies, nonprofits, local communities, and individuals.
One such group that addresses homelessness in our region is the American Rescue Workers (ARW), located in Williamsport. The ARW currently operates multiple shelters for over 750 homeless men, women, and children annually and serves approximately 100,000 meals to residents and members of the community. Their Fresh Start program, located on Elmira Street, serves only men and is a 9- to 12-month work therapy program. The ARW also has Saving Grace Shelter, located on Campbell Street, which serves men, women, and children, and will be celebrating its 15th anniversary in February 2026. Additionally, the ARW operates a short-term, 30-day men’s emergency shelter at Elmira Street.
For those needing other assistance on a more regular basis, the ARW operates a food pantry at its Social Service Center and provides financial assistance as well as case management. These services are distributed to individuals yearly, including 10,000 families who receive groceries. The focus of the ARW is to help community members achieve self-sufficiency through work programs, shelter, food, case management, and holistic guidance. In addition, they provide well over $200,000 annually in rental and utility assistance to prevent a homeless crisis from occurring because of shut-off notices or an eviction.
Another great resource in our area is Code Blue, run by Sue and John Best and their amazing team of volunteers. Founded in March 2018, the shelter is located at First Church, 604 Market St., Williamsport, and is open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. most days, except on Mondays and Wednesdays, when guests can stay until 10 a.m. The Code Blue Shelter does not have age restrictions (including minors), and anyone is welcome so long as certain safety rules are followed. Staffed by volunteers, the shelter is always supervised by three men and two women. In addition to providing a warm place to sleep, the shelter provides food both in-house and sometimes to-go. The Code Blue Shelter opens its doors beginning in January and is capable of accommodating 25-30 guests.
Homelessness remains one of the most pressing social issues in the United States, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals and families every year. Each November, National Homelessness Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder to acknowledge the plight of those experiencing homelessness, foster community understanding, and inspire action. On a national scale, estimates suggest that more than half a million people in the United States experience homelessness nightly. This population includes veterans, families with children, youth, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. Homelessness is a complex issue, influenced by a combination of factors, including lack of affordable housing, economic hardship, such as the loss of a job, mental health issues, and addiction.
National Homelessness Awareness Month provides an opportunity to understand the realities faced by those without stable housing and, ultimately, take action as a community. By educating ourselves, supporting community initiatives, and advocating for change, we can work toward a future where every person has access to safe and affordable housing. Let November be a time for compassion, understanding, and progress in addressing the pressing issue of homelessness.
For more information, you can visit the American Rescue Workers online at http://www.arwwilliamsport.org or call 570-323-8401. Those looking for more information about Code Blue are encouraged to contact First Church, located at 604 Market St., Williamsport. The church can be reached by phone at 570-322-3572 and by email at office@firstchurch.cc.
