FRESH Start Emergency Shelter & Resource Center now under one roof in renovated, permanent home

​It started in September 2019 with a vision: to provide long-term sustainability for LCCM’s FRESH Start Emergency Shelter & Resource Center.
In February, that vision became reality when our guests slept overnight at our newly renovated, permanent shelter space at the Chestnut Street Community Center.
The road to this destination was long, but God’s unseen hand guided LCCM every step of the way.

the beginning

 FRESH Start began as HOPES Shelter in 2012 as a collaborative effort between LCCM and Jubilee Ministries to address a gap in services provided in Lebanon County to help families affected by homelessness. A few years into the collaboration, Jubilee wanted to go in a different direction to focus fully on their mission to serve those affected by incarceration, at which point the LCCM board of directors voted to take on full responsibility of the HOPES program. A capital campaign was initiated to complete structure modifications to the LCCM facility at the South Seventh Street location to provide a daytime resource center. With this transition, HOPES was rebranded to FRESH Start, and moved to the South Seventh Street location.  FRESH Start housed guests overnight in what is often referred to as a cold shelter model. Guests would sleep on a mat on the floor at a hosting church. Every two weeks, the location would change. This is a model of housing often used for winter sheltering or other emergency scenarios. We have had many dedicated churches over the last decade that provided many hours of critical service. This heavy lifting for years, however, involved rapid time pressure difficulties for everyone, staff, volunteers, and guests alike.

Give Today

the disruption

 In March 2020, guests were housed in a hotel during the pandemic. This was a difficult time for many reasons. At LCCM, we struggled with case management and connections with our guests. What was thought to be a quick couple of weeks turned into a 22-month stay in the hotel setting. We experienced our highest average number of guests per night in the history of FRESH Start. But during the pandemic, LCCM did not stop dreaming or planning.
 Through strategic planning, it was apparent a single site location for the shelter was needed.
Not long after that a donor came forward asking about our biggest need.
​Although we couldn’t offer a strategy at this point, we just shared our hearts. Within weeks this donor presented us with a $200,000 restricted donation toward a shelter.
 In ways only God can provide, we found ourselves not only with this large donation, but with a partner seeking to work collaboratively on space to operate a single site shelter. Laurie and Dave Funk provided a vision for the community space, focused on bringing people together and creating community. In February of 2022, a partnership with the Chestnut Street Community Center was launched to host our guests overnight, providing a single location just a couple of blocks from LCCM.
After completing due diligence and searching for potential sites, an agreement to engage in a long-term relationship with the Chestnut Street Community Center was ratified by the board.

The Result

​ In May 2023 construction began on the community center building of the Chestnut Street Community Center and in January 2024, the renovations were complete. The donor funds restricted for this space were utilized to create a warm and welcoming space for our guests. On Monday, Feb. 13, we officially slept overnight – IN BEDS, not mats! – at our new FRESH Start space.
 We already seeing the impact that physical space can have on people’s lives.
 The open layout of the space has encouraged connection and community.
 The living room area has created space for conversation, and having permanent sleeping quarters creates a opportunity for kids to be put to bed early, which affords parents the opportunity to rest for a bit.
 We count our blessings every day and thank this community for the support to care for those who need us during their most difficult times.

shelter fast facts

• Beds for 22 guests
• Three full bathrooms
• Laundry with two washers and dryers
• Study area

• Children’s play center
• Living room
• Full kitchen with appliances
• Staff offices