A stairwell beside the Dunkin’ Donuts on College Avenue leads to a small den-like space where four young adults — including a Penn State student — sit around on couches, laughing, making jokes and watching TV.
These four are among the 25 current clients at Hearts for the Homeless, a daytime shelter in State College.
The shelter, which will celebrate its one-year anniversary in February, has helped get 39 once-homeless people get back on their feet since its opening.
At night, many clients find shelter at local churches through a program called Out of the Cold, which operates from October through April from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. During the day, clients can find year-round assistance at Hearts for the Homeless, which is committed to rehabilitating each client, helping them find both housing and a job.
It is a place that does not “just offer a facility, but helps find a permanent solution,” says Ashton Munoz, assistant director of the program.
John “Bud” Johnstonbaugh Jr., a homeless veteran from Bellefonte, describes the shelter as a daytime coffee shop.
It’s a place where clients can grab a snack or even find help with social security and birth certificate records. The program strives to meet the needs of each person who walks through its doors. Aside from food and coffee, the shelter also provides clothing, mental health care, crisis intervention, medical co-pays, business attire, mock job interviews and resume building assistance, says Ginny Poorman, director of Hearts for the Homeless.
When Johnstonbaugh was diagnosed with cancer, Hearts for the Homeless helped him with his medical care and transportation to appointments, something he says he’s very grateful for.
Last week, one client found temporary housing and another found permanent housing. Five people have also recently secured jobs.
With a job, clients become eligible to receive monetary assistance with first and last month’s rent from the Community Help Center. The money makes it possible for many clients to sign a lease.
“I don’t expect anything anymore,” says Harry Hosler, a client from Schuykill County. Hosler recently secured two jobs and found an apartment. “I have never met people who give so much,” he says, when discussing Hearts for the Homeless.
Poorman has many contacts in the area and is a great job reference, Hosler adds.
With Out of the Cold’s limited hours, Hearts for the Homeless spends thousands of dollars paying for hotels, Poorman says. And, the shelter is “hectic all the time,” whether it is winter or summer.
The shelter receives new clients every week. On average, 15 to 20 people stop by everyday for short or long periods.
Over the winter, it’s all about staying warm, Johnstonbaugh says. Before he joined the program, he would take shelter in the library. In the summer, he set up a tent in Bellefonte.
The shelter offers extended hours during the winter months, staying open between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m, compensating for the hours that Out of the Cold is closed.
The shelter always welcomes volunteers, Poorman adds. She says the goal behind inviting volunteers is for them to build a relationship with each client.
