Columbia homeless shelter temporarily relocating to church, seeking permanent facility - One United Lancaster

Until recently, Hands Across the Street provided its shelter and day program at another building, "Vision Columbia," at 291 S. Fourth St., which is owned by Columbia Mennonite Mission. But that building is being made available to another congregation, and there's no longer room there, said the Rev David Powers, Hands Across the Street's director.

Hands Across the Street's day program, the Restart Day Center, moved from 291 S. 4th St. into Columbia Presbyterian Church in November. It operates from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

As of May 1, the overnight shelter will be squeezed in as well.

In October, the group reached out to Columbia Borough for help in finding a new shelter space.

"I presented the plight," Powers said. "We had a good discussion. … We have continued to talk to the borough and keep them apprised," he said.

Powers said state Rep. Brett Miller toured the 291 S. Fourth St. site, and several Columbia council members have come down to volunteer.

Borough officials did not respond to One United Lancaster's requests for comment.

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https://oneunitedlancaster.com/nonprofits/columbia-homeless-shelter-temporarily-relocating-to-church-seeking-permanent-facility/