311 Help Desk
City of harrisburg logo
City of harrisburg logo

Summary

The City of Harrisburg is asking anyone who wants to help in our committment to addressing homelessness to do so through the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 23, 2023

The City of Harrisburg, under the leadership of Mayor Wanda R.D. Williams, is committed now, more than ever, to address the issue of homelessness in the city. On Thursday, January 12, city officials asked unhoused residents living under the Mulberry Street Bridge to vacate the area by January 19 so Public Works could address a growing and concerning infestation of rats. This deadline was eventually pushed to Sunday, January 22 due to inclement weather.

The decision to vacate the area impacted approximately 20-30 homeless individuals living under the bridge, according to Dauphin County Human Services. In the days after the announcement, City of Harrisburg officials teamed up with organizations within the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness (CACH) to help relocate people. Some individuals moved to other encampments, including a new temporary one provided by the City of Harrisburg. Others checked into rehabilitation facilities to further their progress. According to CACH, one was able to go home and reunite with family.

The work being done to help Harrisburg’s unhoused is made possible in large part thanks to the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness. Dozens of area organizations make up CACH. A full list of member organizations can be found here: https://cachpa.org/index.php/cach-members/

To donate (money or food) to CACH, click here: https://cachpa.org/index.php/take-action/be-a-donor/

To become a volunteer with one of CACH’s member agencies: https://cachpa.org/index.php/take-action/be-a-volunteer/

Also, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities has established the Harrisburg Unhoused Emergency Assistance Fund, with money going directly to Christian Churches United and Downtown Daily Bread, which is on the ground helping Harrisburg’s homeless population every day. To donate, click here: https://tfec.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3409