A few members of the Luzerne County Council went to the Keystone Mission’s Innovation Center for Homeless and Poverty in Wilkes-Barre on Monday as part of a tour of American Rescue Plan funding recipients.
The facility is at 90 E Union St. in the Thomas C. Thomas Building. It opened in October and is open to men and women in need from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.
It offers breakfast, shower and laundry facilities, access to community resources, computers and phones, donated clothing and supplies, as well as connections to services that may help them get off the streets.
The tour was scheduled when the center was closing for the day to respect the privacy of those inside, especially because the media was present and taking photos, said Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO/Executive Director of Keystone Mission.
Keith-Alexandre and the six staff members are protective of those seeking a safe space in their center. They are referred to as “guests” and treated with dignity regardless of their appearance.
She said their motivation is simply to show love to people.
Kathy Regan, who oversees operations and programming, mentioned that many guests have forgotten what it’s like to be spoken to kindly.
Regan shared an encounter with a regular guest, an elderly man named William. He seemed surprised and then happy when she greeted him by name in the morning.
Guests were already waiting outside when she arrived at the center shortly before 9 a.m. on Monday. They recognized her and hurried over to help her carry items from her vehicle.
Regan noted that homeless individuals may not fit the common stereotype.
The guests are expected to show respect as well. They must use polite language when asking for something and follow the rules. Regan and Keith-Alexandre rarely have to intervene because the guests keep each other in line.
On Monday, a total of 56 guests were at the center, which is within the average of 50 to 60 per day. Since opening in October, 307 different homeless people have accessed the center’s services.
As council members arrived for Monday’s tour, 27-year-old Josh McGrath was among those packing up. He offered to share his experience.
McGrath mentioned that he has been homeless for about a year due to family circumstances and is grateful for the welcoming space, showers, and staff willing to offer guidance.
He stated, “I think it has been very helpful.”
He has enlisted in the Marines and is set to begin basic training in a week.
“If it weren’t for this place, that wouldn't be happening,” McGrath said.
Another guest expressed the need for more services due to the increasing homeless population in the area.
Keystone Mission, a faith-based nonprofit, aims to eventually open the center on weekends and provide a permanent shelter. However, they must ensure sustainable funding to make any expanded services possible, said Keith-Alexandre. She wants to avoid offering new services to the vulnerable population and then having to take them away due to poor planning.
The center is available as a temporary Code Blue Emergency Shelter for up to 50 individuals to sleep during the coldest days of winter. The city decides when a Code Blue is needed based on weather conditions.
During Monday’s visit, council members saw the large day room with tables that are exchanged for cots during Code Blue.
Many guests stay at the center for the whole time it is open, except for a short break to go to the soup kitchen for lunch.
The tour group walked past a table holding neatly folded towels and soap for showers, which must be scheduled in intervals to ensure there is enough hot water for everyone.
Another room had shelves and racks of donated clothing, coats, and shoes that are available to the guests.
Council Chairman John Lombardo inquired about the availability of mental health services.
Regan said they make referrals. Mental health care is difficult for the homeless, particularly if they rely on medication that may be stolen from them on the streets, she said.
She had to administer the antidote Narcan last week to a man who had been smoking marijuana, not realizing it was laced with fentanyl.
“You really do wear many hats here,” replied Council Vice Chairman Brian Thornton.
Keith-Alexandre said they see people at their worst and best and always remain hopeful those walking through the door will learn to function independently and end up in permanent housing. Guests are encouraged to work with a center caseworker, vocational specialist, and housing specialist.
Council allocated $500,000 toward the center activation, the purchase of a van that will be used in part for medical appointment transports and a plan to purchase and rehabilitate a blighted property to provide temporary housing to families working to get back on their feet, Keith-Alexandre said.
Lombardo said he was impressed with the center and believes it is further evidence of county American Rescue funding going to those “truly in need.”
The ongoing council tour aims to show the public the uses of $55 million in awards to more than 100 outside entities.
Councilwoman LeeAnn McDermott described the center staff and volunteers as “special people” for providing compassionate services to the homeless.
“These people are willing to accept them and treat them like human beings. That’s a wonderful thing,” McDermott said.
Councilman Jimmy Sabatino said the center fills a void and urged residents to consider donating toiletries, towels, and some of the many items needed.
For more information about Keystone Mission — and the donations it is accepting — call 570-871-4795 or visit www.keystonemission.org/#.
