BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The city will use a $1.45 million state grant to convert a South Side apartment building into an 11-unit emergency family shelter operated by the Lehigh Conference of Churches.
Bethlehem announced the plans Thursday, part of $27 million in funding statewide by the state Department of Economic Development to address homelessness for individuals and families.
The property at 232-234 W. Packer Ave., just off the Lehigh University campus, is owned by the Lehigh Conference of Churches and in need of extensive renovation.
Mayor J. William Reynolds said the grant will enable final design and engineering work to start on the property and last six to eight months. Rehabilitation will take about a year.
“This investment by Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration will help bring the Lehigh Valley its first non-congregate family shelter, filling a large void in the region’s emergency sheltering system,” Reynolds said in a news release.
“This critical award allows the city to fully fund this project and brings us closer to offering families year-round shelter.”
“This critical award allows the city to fully fund this project and brings us closer to offering families year-round shelter.”Mayor J. William Reynolds, Bethlehem
The city will contribute $1.4 million from previous federal funding to get the building in shape, bringing the total project cost to $2.85 million.
Under the partnership, Bethlehem intends to buy the property for $1 and complete the renovations.
The work will create six one-bedroom family units, five studio units and an office for case management aimed at obtaining long-term housing, city officials said. Each unit will have a private bathroom.
The Conference of Churches approached the city in 2023 about donating the property for an emergency shelter, officials said.
“The Lehigh Conference of Churches is elated to partner with the City of Bethlehem in caring for those unhoused in the Lehigh Valley,” said Katie Albarelli, president of the conference’s board of directors.
“Few things are as important as providing a home for our sisters and brothers. We rejoice when citizens become neighbors. LCC gives thanks for this civil gesture of grace.”
