LANCASTER, PA, April 1, 2026 – The Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition in partnership with the Lancaster Redevelopment Fund, Inc. announced the successful completion of the $4.5-million Road to Home capital campaign for the Clay Street Emergency Shelter (CSES). This achievement reflects the exceptional commitment of more than 175 donors who rallied behind Clay Street’s mission to meet individuals where they are – providing vulnerable adults with a safe, warm, and welcoming place to sleep every night of the year.
The 85-bed shelter, which opened December 30,2024, represents Lancaster’s first permanent low-barrier shelter since 2009. Hosted at Otterbein United Methodist Church at the corner of Clay and Queen Streets, the shelter’s nightly operations are run by YMCA of the Roses.
Two local business owners led the fundraising effort: Campaign Co-Chairs Peter Barber of Two Dudes Painting Co. and Deborah Brandt of Fig Industries. Brandt said, “We extend our warmest thanks to everyone—individuals, businesses, organizations, foundations—that helped create this life-saving facility, including our campaign volunteers. This success speaks volumes about compassion and generosity in Lancaster County.”
Barber added, “Normally projects like this rely heavily on state and federal funding. This one had to happen so fast that there wasn’t time to secure much, but Lancaster Countians stepped up to fill the gap.” Leadership contributions were provided by Robert L. and Anna M. Roschel, the County of Lancaster, two anonymous donors, Armstrong World Industries Foundation and the High Foundation.
After over a dozen sites were assessed, in August 2023 the lower level of Otterbein UMC was selected as the ideal site for a low-barrier shelter. Fundraising began during the summer, with an accelerated construction plan that began in August 2024. The shelter welcomed its first guests less than five months later just prior to Pennsylvania’s historically coldest months.
Construction continued through May 2025 after a large rock shelf under the corner of the church forced the location of the new elevator to be moved away from the building, adding $750,000 to the project’s cost. Wohlsen Construction served as the general contractor.
In its first full year, the Clay Street Emergency Shelter welcomed 590 individuals, providing 29,093 bed nights, a one-night, single-occupancy stay. Through self-reporting, 66% of the guests have an income of less than $500 with 25% of guests staying on average 60 days. During 2025, the county experienced 31 Code Blue days and 7 Code Reds, allowing the shelter to expand services for up to 100 guests as needed.
Fundraising continued after the shelter opened. Justin Eby, executive director of LCHRA’s nonprofit Lancaster Redevelopment Fund, explained, “To be fiscally responsible, we had to complete the campaign and retire our construction loans. Now we can begin work on the services center and new transitional and affordable housing project on South Prince Street.”
Campaign Co-Chair Brandt shared, “Our team was motivated by both helping our neighbors and the urgency to reduce the economic impacts on local businesses of a growing unsheltered population. It had the feel of a good old-fashioned Lancaster County barn raising. See a clear need, gather community, and get it done.”
To stay up to date on the operations of the Clay Street Emergency Shelter or the Prince Street Project, visit lchra.com.