CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – Mental illness, financial hardship and a shortage of stable housing are among the challenges facing homeless residents of Franklin County, outreach workers told county commissioners this week.
The discussion came as county commissioners proclaimed Nov. 15-21 Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. More than 19,000 county residents receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, while local food pantries and charities serve approximately 3,700 people each month, according to the proclamation.
Misty Conner, a housing programs specialist with Franklin County Community Connections, said mental health problems are particularly common among people her staff encounters in homeless encampments.
“We do see more in the mental health field than the substance use,” Conner said.
“While we do our street outreach, I will tell you our encampments never once have we found any drugs,” she added, although alcohol use does occur.
Community Connections operates 33 permanent supportive housing units and provides street outreach, shelter referrals and other assistance.
Conner cautioned that the county’s homelessness counts, conducted in winter and summer, do not necessarily reflect how many people have secured permanent housing.
Although this year’s summer count declined, “I can’t tell you that more of them are finding housing,” she said. Some people are sharing accommodations, while others previously counted have been incarcerated.
Commissioner John Flannery acknowledged complaints from a regular visitor to county meetings who has argued that homelessness is out of control and demanded immediate action.
“I’m not saying everything is in control because this is an uncontrollable situation,” Flannery said, praising Community Connections for addressing what he called a “significant, significant situation.”
As winter approaches, Community Connections is preparing to distribute donated clothing, blankets, hygiene products and other necessities at its office at 39 N. Second St. in Chambersburg.
Conner described two unidentified women who regularly leave supplies along the office fence.
“There are two ladies that stop every other week at the office, don’t have a clue who they are, and they load the fence up with all kinds of supplies,” she said.
Staff members will also deliver holiday meals to homeless encampments, where some residents are reluctant to seek assistance from unfamiliar people.
The next countywide winter count of people experiencing homelessness is scheduled for Jan. 27. Community Connections is seeking volunteers.
