Hope for the Homeless: 5 Places to Volunteer in Harrisburg

I often hear the phrase, “Homeless for the Holidays,” whether in marketing propaganda during the spout from Thanksgiving to New Years, or depicted in the lines of a Hallmark movie. Regardless of where the phrase buds from, it often calls attention away from the year-round reality of homelessness.

As a suburb-raised child, I’d often visit the city during the holidays for all the fun activities going on. It was during these trips I’d witness my dad giving money to the homeless men and women we’d pass. Money he typically held tightly too – not even a “but Daaaad, pleeease,” would make him budge. Sometimes we’d discuss our views on the nature of homelessness during the drive home, but then I’d doze off the remainder of the ride, and we’d pick up where we left off the following holiday season.

Living in Harrisburg, the reality of homelessness has presented itself in a new way. And on a daily basis. Homelessness doesn’t go away when the stores starting pulling their Christmas decorations off the shelves. If anything, it gets worse. Look at the effects on homeless as the temperature dropped across the United States this week. 

Similar to the majority of other cities, many people in Harrisburg rest their heads on concrete each night, rather than a queen tempurpedic mattress with form fitting pillows. Just like how you wouldn’t date a person who doesn’t lose sleep over the thought of hurting you, why live in a city whose people don’t wrestle with working through their homeless problem?

Thankfully, there’s more hope for the homeless in Harrisburg than the outsider might realize.

The following five organizations provide hope to those found homeless in Harrisburg, and many of them welcome you to join in their efforts:

1. Bethesda Mission
Bethesda mission offers temporary/emergency shelter, long-term recovery, transitional living, social services assistance and a daily soup line as part of its mission to the homeless community of Harrisburg. Just in the past year, the mission has sheltered 127 men and women per night, served over 10,000 meals and provided medical services to nearly 700 people in Harrisburg.

With a goal to look past temporary care, Bethesda Mission focuses on inspiring hope for the long run through its recovery program. By volunteering to serve on the soup line, you can recognize the realities faced by the individuals this mission helps foster.

2. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has long received recognition for its impact on the homeless and impoverished communities nationally and internationally. In Harrisburg, this organization invites community members to regain self-sufficiency as well as emotional and economic stability through the programs it offers. By meeting individual’s needs, the organization seeks out a way to establish hope for generations to come.

Volunteer opportunities aren’t limited at Harrisburg’s Salvation army locations. Fill out a volunteer application and see which opportunities you and your Harrisburg neighbors can pitch a hand in helping.

3. Downtown Daily Bread
Downtown Daily Bread functions around the belief that second chances relate to helping people succeed. By offering a daily lunch, among other services, to the homeless community in Harrisburg their ministry welcomes those in need of another chance.

By first fulfilling the basic needs of their clients, the ministry has the ability to foster personal relationships and hopefully put an end to the poverty cycle. Thanks to Downtown Daily Bread’s many volunteer opportunities, they enable a community engagement through their ministry. Learn how you can volunteer today!

4. Helping Hands Ministries
Whether seeking a hot meal or a word of encouragement, Helping Hands Ministries provides outreach for the homeless in Harrisburg. Thanks to donations and volunteers from the local community, they have continued to serve almost 19,000 meals a yearto those in need.

Helping Hands Ministries continues to operate on behalf of generous community members. Find out more about donating food or donating time to further the efforts of this organization.

5. YWCA
The YWCA of Harrisburg provides programs geared toward ending the homeless cycle for many individuals and families. Their short-term and permanent housing programs are suited for specific needs with an end goal of self-sufficiency in mind.

During the winter months, the YWCA opens an overnight shelter which grants many women with a warm and secure place to sleep during freezing temperatures. This service relies fully on women volunteers to help with nightly check-in. You can learn more about how to volunteer with the YWCAon their website.

Make A Difference Today
Harrisburg’s homeless problem isn’t going to work out all its kinks on its own. And it certainly isn’t going to work them out overnight – as some of these organizations have provided hope to Harrisburg’s homeless for twenty plus years.

But today you have the chance to make a difference so don’t let tomorrow hold you back.