For nearly 15 years, Gettysburg Combined Area Resources for Emergency Shelter (CARES) has worked to provide a safe place to sleep, a warm meal and a path toward housing for people experiencing homelessness in Adams County. Now, the organization is preparing for a significant new chapter with the purchase of a permanent facility at 25 S. Washington St. in Gettysburg. CARES has been operating on the third floor St. James Lutheran Church, 109 York St.
“I am excited about the new arrangement and what the larger, permanent location will mean for those served by Gettysburg CARES,” said director Debi Little. “Saint James is expanding programs, and we also need to grow.”
The organization began when 12 area churches came together to coordinate resources for people experiencing homelessness. Gettysburg CARES was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 2012 and operates Adams County’s only cold-weather shelter. It opens in November and closes in April.
“We may be able to expand the months we’re open in the near future and add programs for our guests. For now, we’re busy checking all the boxes and getting ready for renovations at the new site,” said Little.
The new 6,800-square-foot facility, originally built in 1962, was most recently used as a dormitory. The building has ten bedrooms, five bathrooms with showers, including one ADA-compliant bathroom, a small kitchen and a sprinkler system. Planned work primarily includes replacing flooring and updating the bathrooms and kitchen. The facility will also include separate sleeping areas for men and women, family rooms, a gathering area, and space for counseling and other potential services. The organization plans to staff the new facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Gettysburg CARES serves individuals and families, with 87% of its guests coming from Adams County. Of those served, approximately 44% are men, 41% are women and 16% are children under 18. About 83% of guests are employed. During the most recent season, 68 different guests stayed at the shelter.
The organization works throughout the season to help guests move beyond emergency shelter and toward stable housing. Little said the goal is to work with guests to address barriers and connect them with available resources.
Housing assistance can include coaching, help obtaining vouchers through the Housing Authority, and contacting landlords. The organization also helps guests find jobs. Gettysburg CARES works to help guests secure alternative housing before the cold-weather season ends in April.
The organization relies heavily on overnight volunteers. Beginning in November, volunteers sleep at the shelter and provide support. Last year, 45 overnight volunteers participated. Volunteers donate their time from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. They greet guests and interact with them until lights-out at 11 p.m. Volunteers sleep while an employee remains awake overnight. Church volunteers sometimes provide an evening devotion. Volunteers need police clearance through the Gettysburg Police Department. More volunteers are needed.
Gettysburg CARES also provides breakfast seven days a week. Last season, 432 breakfasts were served. Area churches and restaurants provide occasional dinners, and the organization works closely with the Gettysburg Soup Kitchen to help meet guests’ meal needs.
The resource center currently has two paid staff members and several college student volunteers. Churches continue to play an important role by providing breakfasts. Local restaurants and churches occasionally provide dinners. Community members contribute time and financial support.
Paul Stokely, board chair and overnight volunteer, has volunteered for four years. “I have been hearing dreams and plans from day one with CARES about a permanent site. I cannot tell you how excited the Board of Directors, staff, myself, and Debi are to make this actually happen,” he said.
Stokely expects guests to move from St. James to the new location around the holidays, and possibly even sooner for the resource center. “It is hard to tell with construction because sometimes even small jobs are challenging to forecast,” he said.
“It’s a journey with inspections, plans, going through approvals, utilities, insurance, permits and more,” said Stokely, while praising St. James for its ongoing support: “Their congregation and leadership have been very supportive of CARES, and we could not have made this step without their help, which frankly has been amazing.”
Organizers emphasized that the strength of Gettysburg CARES comes from the many organizations and individuals working together. Stokely said, “I can’t thank everyone enough for their kindness, generosity, and willingness to help our guests and the unhoused in general. Thank you!”
Collaborators include the Gettysburg Soup Kitchen, @Home in Adams County, WellSpan, Adams Rescue Mission, Gettysburg Ministerium and other area churches, volunteers, the Adams County Community Foundation, Adams County offices, SCAAP, the Housing Authority and other community partners. Gettysburg CARES is also working to add counseling services at the new facility.
The organization is led by a board of directors that includes Debi Little, director; Paul Stokley, board chair; Nancy Kramer, vice chair; Bill Shoemaker, co-treasurer; the Rev. Richard Hagee, co-treasurer; the Rev. Michael Cooper-White, secretary; the Rev. Andrew Geib; Bill Knowles-Kellett; Julie Muenzfeld; Bonnie Grady; Bruce Guither; Sally Guise; and Lynn Aurand.
As CARES prepares for this opportunity, the community is encouraged to support the organization by giving time, talent or treasure. To learn more about volunteering or donating, visit gettysburgcares.com.
A grand opening is planned for this fall.
Featured image: Future home of CARES
