A volunteer group in Lehighton that provides a safe haven for the homeless population remains steadfast in their mission to care for those less fortunate.

Since the Lehighton Cold Weather Station shelter closed in March, volunteer Grace Clayton said they’ve been working on programs to assist their unsheltered neighbors with the day-to-day needs they face.

Over the past month, Clayton said they’ve served 40 people, and that on Wednesday, they had 19 people, their largest number of guests on a single day. Their daily average is now up to 16 people over the past two weeks.

“A small team of our volunteers are providing access to showers, laundry, clothing, and lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,” Clayton said. “During the hot summer days, our guests are especially appreciative of being able to enjoy a couple of hours respite from the heat in air-conditioning. On average we serve about 10 people per day, but on our busiest day we had 18 guests.”

In parallel, Clayton said they are preparing for doing an Emergency Shelter again this upcoming winter, as last season they served 53 individuals over the course of the winter.

“On our busiest night we had 22 guests at the shelter,” she said. “The homeless population in Lehighton seems to be growing, so we expect to serve at least the same number of individuals this coming winter.”

The Lehighton Cold Weather Station is a coalition of churches under the support of St. Vincent de Paul Society of SS. Peter & Paul.

Clayton added they’re hoping to find a reasonably priced facility to lease in Lehighton, as with two seasons of experience under their belt, they have a better understanding of what they’d like to see in a facility.

She said their wish list is as follows:

• Minimum of 1,600 sq. ft (800 for sleeping and 800 for common area).

• Minimum of two toilets and two showers (preferably more and preferably stall-style bathrooms).

• Full kitchen.

• Potential to add laundry facilities.

• Handicap accessible — ADA compliant.

• Reception/registration area before entering shelter.

• Walking distance for guests.

• A new dryer to dry clothes more quickly.

Clayton said anyone with leads on potential properties may contact Jessica Jones at 570-952-4244, or Esther Meier at 570-657-6738.

Additionally, she said they are currently accepting donations of summer weight men’s clothing in all sizes — jeans, shorts, sneakers — bottles of clear laundry detergent, large bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash but monetary donations are most helpful as they can use them to offset costs incurred like providing hot water, air conditioning, perishable food and other specific needs.

Clayton said the Lehighton St. Vincent de Paul Society handles monetary donations for their programs.

She said checks should be written to St. Vincent de Paul Society and include a memo that specifies “Cold Weather Station.”

Clayton said checks can be mailed to St. Vincent de Paul Society 260 N. 3rd Street Lehighton, PA 18235.

She said they also have a GiveSendGo account where people can donate electronically.

Lastly, but most importantly, Clayton said they are always looking for more volunteers and partners to join us in this important work.

Anyone interested in learning about different volunteer opportunities may call either Jones or Meier, or email cwslehighton@gmail.com.