The new addition features over 6,000 square feet of space, enabling the nonprofit to meet the growing needs of the community.
New Bethany Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to providing food access, housing and social services to those experiencing poverty, hunger and homelessness, announced the acquisition of the former headquarters of The Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem on Wyandotte Street. The two-story building encompasses more than 6,000 square feet of space, enabling New Bethany to continue expanding its services and meet the growing needs of the community.
“We are deeply grateful to the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem for its collaboration and vision in facilitating this acquisition,” said New Bethany’s Executive Director, J. Marc Rittle. “We have doubled our staff to meet the increasing demand for services, and we are simply out of room to accommodate everyone. This new space will help us provide even more essential services to our community and ensure we can continue meeting the needs of the most vulnerable.”
As New Bethany celebrates its 40th anniversary, this acquisition marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s history. For four decades, New Bethany has been a cornerstone of support for individuals and families facing hunger, homelessness and poverty in the Lehigh Valley. The new facility allows the nonprofit to expand its programs and reach more neighbors in need, ensuring it can continue to provide life-changing services for the next 40 years and beyond.
The transfer of the property deed officially happened on May 19. Since 2022, New Bethany has been utilizing space at Diocesan House for volunteer housing, meeting rooms and office space, which has been essential to the organization’s growth.
New Bethany was founded in the 1980s through a partnership with the City of Bethlehem and Cathedral Church of the Nativity. The organization continues to serve thousands of individuals and families in need, offering critical programs such as emergency rental assistance, a food pantry and case management services.
The Diocese of Bethlehem, which is in the process of merging with The Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, will relocate its staff to space within the adjacent Nativity Cathedral.
Learn more about New Bethany’s programs at www.newbethany.org/what-we-offer/.
