At New Bethany, we are aware of the struggles many individuals and families face when trying to secure
stable housing, and we’re here for support.

When a Bethlehem mother of two faced eviction after a difficult divorce, she turned to New Bethany for help. With support from our housing advocates, her family stayed in their home and found the stability they needed to move forward. Her story is just one of many reminders that housing insecurity remains a prevalent
issue for our neighbors.

The Lehigh Valley is in the midst of a housing crisis. Rents have risen steadily over the last decade while wages have not kept pace. Today, thousands of local families spend more than half of their income on housing — leaving little room for groceries, transportation, or medical care. In Bethlehem alone, waiting lists for affordable units stretch months, even years. For families living paycheck to paycheck, one illness, job loss, or unexpected bill can be the tipping point into homelessness.

New Bethany is working every day to change that reality. In 2023, thanks to a $150,000 grant from the Be a Housing Hero Fund (a partnership between United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and PPL Foundation), we helped 59 households — 157 of our neighbors — avoid eviction and remain in their homes. Many were very low-income households that face systemic barriers – particularly women-led and racially diverse families, who are disproportionately impacted by housing instability.

This work is not only vital, but also being recognized at the state level. Executive Director Marc Rittle was recently appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro to the Pennsylvania Interagency Council to Address Homelessness, which brings together leaders across Pennsylvania to create a comprehensive statewide plan. Marc’s seat at this table ensures the voices of Lehigh Valley families are heard and that solutions shaped here can make a difference across the Commonwealth.

As the need grows, so does our resolve. With your support through gifts, volunteering, or events like Souper Day and Luminaria Night we can continue to provide not just shelter, but dignity, stability, and hope. Together, we can make sure every neighbor has a safe place to call home.