WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — For more than 40 years, Mother Teresa's Haven, a shelter for men experiencing homelessness, has called the basements of various churches in the city home. The space will be transformed into the shelter's new, permanent location above St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen.
Renovations are underway at what was once a medical clinic on East Jackson Street in Wilkes-Barre.
"So, this will be our home, and we're kind of excited about it," said Joe Mahoney, the Catholic Social Services CEO.
According to Mahoney, the shelter can house each client for 30 days while helping them get back on their feet. The new location will have 20 beds, showers, and a washer and dryer.
"That's basic human dignity. You want to be able to take a shower every day. To be able to offer folks that. To say you need to do laundry? Do laundry. Got a job interview tomorrow? Good. Shower and shave here," explained Mahoney.
Funding for the project comes from Wilkes-Barre City, Luzerne County, catholic ministries, and other organizations.
Officials for the shelter say this is the ideal location for their shelter now that it is right above a food and clothing bank. Services that greatly benefit their men.
"So that's going to be big for us. Career-link is behind us. There's health services and mental health services within walking distance," said Harry Lyons, Mother Teresa's Haven Program Supervisor.
Officials hope to complete renovations at Mother Teresa's Haven's new, permanent location by the end of November.