Peaceful Knights hosted an open house Saturday in honor of the organization's one-year anniversary in its Lehighton home.

"We want to spread the word about what we do here, what we need and garner some volunteers," said program director Robert Fatzinger.The public was invited to the First Street location to see the progress made in the former Quality Plumbing Store."The biggest thing is awareness," Fatzinger said. "We always need help, gift cards to Mallard or Giant, phone cards, clothing, monetary donations."Peaceful Knights is a not-for-profit corporation formed to help those in need of temporary shelter and access to local organizations that provide assistance. The organization operates as a 90-day program starting with temporary housing rolling into a long-term arrangement in an apartment while providing necessities such as food, clothing and personal items.The Knights provide peer counseling, work with clients to sharpen job search skills, and teach their charges how to maintain a more structured lifestyle.Clients are required while staying in the facility to spend time applying for jobs and volunteering around the county."We have our challenges, but helping people get back into the community, taking people just in a tough spot and getting them back on their feet, it strengthens the community," board member Larry Ahner said.The dorm-style space is outfitted with 10 donated beds, a kitchen, shower and an office area.The organization is selling sweatshirts and T-shirts bearing the Knights logo to help raise funds for a much-needed roof repair.Along with setting up the purchase of the building the four board directors, Fatzinger, Ahner, Larry Liggitt and Aggie Shehadeh are working with the Lehighton Zoning Board to create an emergency shelter on the lower level.Fatzinger hopes to make that happen after the building is purchased, "hopefully at the end of the next year.""We want to let people know what the program is all about and it's a positive thing," Liggitt said. "We need to raise awareness and hopefully get some financial support."To donate or volunteer contact the Peaceful Knights at 610-340-4786, or peacefulknights.org