If ever our community needed partners working together, it would be now. This became apparent over the winter when New Bethany received a call from the City of Bethlehem about seven homeless cats and their owners living under a bridge. This is a true story:
A brother and sister duo (and their beloved cats) were evicted from a condemned property during the holiday season. Having pets is often a barrier to finding adequate housing or emergency shelter, which was a particularly devasting blow. New Bethany offered housing search support and even just a warm place to stay all day, including a hot meal and shower. But the couple politely refused, fearing being separated from their feline family members. After six frustrating and frightening weeks of transiency, the family took up residence under the Hill-to-Hill bridge on Spring Street.
It was under the bridge where an internet community of Bethlehem neighbors discovered them via the website Nextdoor. Concerned about what could happen, an anonymous volunteer in the community offered to foster all seven cats while the brother and sister worked with New Bethany and a team of community partners to secure stable housing. New Bethany then stored their belongings and provided a social worker, a temporary mailing address, daily hot lunch and groceries. Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering provided supper and overnight shelter. Bethlehem Police continually checked on the family’s safety and cleaned the site after they left. The City Health Bureau, working together with police and New Bethany, secured an affordable rental for them to call home. None of this would have happened without every one of the other pieces falling into place.
To learn more, read from Executive Director Marc Rittle here.
New Bethany’s motto A community of hope and support perfectly describes the push that housed this family. We know change won’t happen without the vision and assistance of an entire block, neighborhood, city, and region. Please give generously for our 2024 Spring Against Hunger appeal. You will be amazed at how much we can do together.
What To Know About Hosting a Food Drive
Want to provide a tangible impact for our Spring Against Hunger? Our Choice Food Pantry, Mollard Hospitality Center, and Trinity Soup Kitchen are always open to food donations. Set up a food drive at your workplace, place of worship, social club, or just with your group of friends and family!
Curious about the types of food you should be asking for when hosting a food drive? Click here to find out!
Donations are accepted at the following times & locations:
- Food Pantry drop-off – 9 am-12 pm & 1 pm – 3:30 pm weekdays
- Hospitality Center drop-off 9 am-12 pm & 1 pm – 3:30 pm weekdays
Are you registered to walk with us in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community?
New Bethany is committed to addressing the immediate needs in our community such as food and basic hygiene, providing short-term housing solutions, and encouraging long-term change that will lift individuals out of poverty. Walking in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community is a simple way for people to share that commitment.
Saturday, June 1st at DeSales University
