EASTON, Pa. — An Easton nonprofit that plays a vital role in sheltering and assisting those with severe mental health issues has announced the state budget impasse has effectively frozen its ability to serve the area.
Safe Harbor Easton on Thursday announced that earlier this week, Northampton County Human Services told it that human services funding to organizations such as theirs had been frozen.
It was told no money would be coming through until the state passes a budget.
“What remains is the reality that these funds support some of the most vulnerable in our community."Safe Harbor Easton, in a statement
Safe Harbor Easton runs numerous programs to help single homeless individuals, including the ARISE Shelter on Bushkill Drive, which serves 50 individuals; a day program that offers food, shelter and basic needs; the winter shelter; and more.
The freeze includes future funding, as well as funding for services rendered and expenses the organization already has incurred, Safe Harbor Easton said.
According to the statement issued by Safe Harbor Easton, the freeze is a needed to preserve public safety services including 911 dispatch centers, “and we understand this was a difficult choice that had to be made.”
“What remains is the reality that these funds support some of the most vulnerable in our community," Safe Harbor's statement reads.
'Winter is our most expensive season'
"At Safe Harbor, County funds are used to cover some of the costs of sheltering individuals with severe mental illnesses and those in recovery services for substance use disorders, as well as funding a portion of our case management program.
“Our case managers play a vital role in helping individuals here at the shelter find employment, connect to treatment, and secure housing, as well as much, much more.
"The success stories we share with all of you would not be possible without them.”
Though other supports and funding streams can help the group navigate the gap, overall spending will remain tight until the budget passes, and likely for some time thereafter, at least until funds are released to providers again, Safe Harbor said.
"Winter shelter operations could certainly be impacted if we are forced to shift other dollars to preserving the operations of our 50-bed ARISE Shelter."Safe Harbor Easton, in a statement
The longer the impasse continues, the more likely it is that Safe Harbor Easton’s services and programs could be affected, the statement said.
Staff and board members are working to ensure the impact will be minimal on the people they serve, Safe Harbor Easton said.
“That said, winter is our most expensive season as we open our winter shelter from December to March," the statement reads.
"Winter shelter operations could certainly be impacted if we are forced to shift other dollars to preserving the operations of our 50-bed ARISE Shelter."
'We are not alone in this'
Safe Harbor Easton said it recognizes "We are not alone in this."
"Other agencies will be impacted as well, which will further affect those who rely on basic human services in our community,” it said.
Safe Harbor Easton suggests those who are able to help can offer support via donations to organizations such as theirs, can spread the word on the issue and share social media posts.
And reach out to state representatives and senators — “ESPECIALLY those on the appropriations committee” — to express how much the impasse is affecting the community.
The nonprofit said it also is working to keep its Amazon Wish List and needed supply list on its website up to date for anyone interested in buying supplies to help bridge the gap.
Donations, including one-time payments and recurring contributions, can be made on the Safe Harbor Easton website.
