08/12/2026
Long post alert:
Below is a copy of the letter that we sent Immanuel Baptist Church, thanking them for the use of their facility for the past two years. ‼️It's now time to begin looking for a new location for a warming center. 🏫Somewhere with a large open space, bathrooms that are close (or better yet off the same large open space), plenty of space for storage, access to a kitchen is VERY helpful. It's a large ask we know, but if someone with knowledge and access to a space could reach out to the United Way and speak with either Emily or Holly, we would appreciate that! Thanks again to Immanuel for being so supportive of the project for the last two years! 🙏
Dear Immanuel Baptist Church Family,
On behalf of the United Way of Lancaster County and the Lancaster Area Coalition for the Homeless (LACH), we sincerely thank you for your unwavering support in hosting the LACH Warming Center over the past two winter seasons.
Your openness to welcome individuals in need has profoundly impacted some of Lancaster County's most vulnerable residents. When temperatures plummeted, your church transformed into a sanctuary of safety, warmth, and dignity for those facing homelessness.
During the first season (December 2024 – March 2025), the Warming Center operated based on temperature, serving as a refuge for 51 unique guests with a total of 355 overnight stays across 76 nights. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers who contributed over 1,000 hours to meal preparation, guest check-in, and maintaining a supportive atmosphere, many found solace during harsh winter nights.
In the following season (December 2025 – March 2026), we transitioned to a 7-day-a-week operation. This expansion allowed us to welcome 56 unique guests and provide 1,127 overnight stays over 117 nights. Volunteers from Immanuel Baptist Church and the Lancaster community stepped up again, showcasing Christ's love through acts of kindness and service. The Warming Center also served during severe conditions, supporting not only the homeless but also those in the community without adequate heating.
The outcomes of our efforts go beyond mere numbers; they symbolize the lives protected from harsh weather, the dignity restored, and the compassion experienced in difficult times. Each meal, blanket, conversation, and night of rest reinforced the message that our guests were valued and not forgotten. Immanuel Baptist Church exemplifies the power of community partnerships.
May God bless Immanuel Baptist Church, its pastors, leaders, and congregation for their commitment to serving others. We appreciate your support and dedicated volunteers in making Lancaster County a safer, more compassionate, and more united place. We are grateful for our partnership and the impact we've made together. This partnership embodies our belief that "United is the Way!"
