BETHLEHEM (January 5, 2026) – State Senator Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton-Lehigh) announced that the City of Bethlehem has been awarded a $400,000 Commonwealth Emergency Solutions Grant to address home insecurity issues. Senator Boscola applauded the Commonwealth’s continued support of assisting in local efforts to address housing insecurity and homelessness in the Lehigh Valley as New Bethany received a $475,000 grant for their “Paving the Way” campaign last month.
“The issue of housing affordability in the Lehigh Valley is a critical issue that is best addressed in a collaborative way and state support for the City of Bethlehem’s coordinated efforts and the expansion of New Bethany’s programs to address residents’ needs for support, shelter, health and wrap-around services will have a positive impact on our community.”
The City of Bethlehem was awarded $400,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development yesterday for an Emergency Solutions Grant for coordinated efforts to address homelessness and housing insecurity in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Funding will be used to provide services and supports for emergency shelter, homeless prevention, rapid rehousing, and street outreach to help homeless and at-risk households obtain or maintain permanent housing.
New Bethany was awarded a $475,000 Local Share Account – Statewide grant by the Commonwealth Financing Authority on December 18, 2025. New Bethany’s Paving the Way campaign, which is an expansion of their facilities renovating over 18,500 square feet which will transform their Drop-In Center to a full-service community resource.
New Bethany’s Center will offer a “Health Hub”, providing primary, mental and telehealth services, a Community Hygiene Center, seven day a week meal service and upgraded fresh grocery choices from their Food Pantry, dedicated training space for education, job and financial literacy, and by enhancing their office and case management space they will be able to double the number of people they can support annually.
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