At Sixth Street Shelter, a program of Community Action Lehigh Valley, we witness incredible stories of resilience on a weekly basis. This November, during Homelessness Awareness Month, we’d like to share two evolving stories happening right here under our roof in Allentown. Homelessness Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness, educating the public on its causes and impacts, and advocating for solutions. Throughout the month, nonprofits like CALV, along with community groups and other advocates, highlight the challenges faced by individuals and families experiencing homelessness and the efforts being made to support them.
Finding Stability: A Family’s Path Through Housing and Mental Health Challenges
In August 2024, a family of five arrived at the Shelter after facing eviction. For them, hardships have been an ongoing reality—Mom and the eldest brother, age 26, were the only ones receiving income. Due to the older brother’s intellectual disability, he is only capable of working part-time at a local thrift store through OVR (Disability & Vocational Rehabilitation.) Despite these challenges, they continue to provide each other with financial and emotional support.
A particularly inspiring aspect of this family is the 20-year-old son, who has been courageously navigating major depressive disorder with severe disruptive symptoms along with debilitating anxiety. Prior to arriving at Sixth Street Shelter, he endured three significant mental health episodes that required hospitalization. When the family first arrived, he had one pressing question for his case manager, Dominique: "Do you believe I can live on my own one day?" The answer was an immediate, confident "Yes!"
Since the family’s arrival, he has not experienced a single mental health episode or breakdown. With the support of Dominique, he was connected to a psychiatrist who is a great fit, and with the right treatment and guidance, he is now thriving and looking toward his future. He’s saving up for his very own studio apartment—a dream that once felt completely out of reach.
Mom, while feeling the natural sadness of seeing one of her “babies” ready take flight, is filled with pride and optimism. She has been his greatest supporter, offering words of encouragement and reminding him that his family will always be there for him as he transitions into this new phase of life. Dominique mentioned, “The resilience of this family is unmatched. I’m excited for the entire family for this new chapter that is unfolding for them despite the struggles of their past.”
This young man’s journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that stability, support, and community resources can have on mental health. At Sixth Street Shelter, we’re honored to help families find their footing so they can build stronger, healthier futures for themselves. This family’s story is one of hope, resilience, and renewal, and we are thrilled for the new chapter that awaits them all.
Strength and Perseverance: The Journey of a Resilient Single Father
We are incredibly proud to welcome a remarkable new resident to Sixth Street Shelter—a 25-year-old father of two young children, ages 1 and 2. When Andres arrived on September 5, 2024, he was facing significant challenges—he didn’t have a driver’s license or a car, and every day he walked to work, a grueling 11-mile round trip, to make it to his 4:00am – 1:00pm shift. He juggled this commute while using a double stroller to drop off and pick up his sons.
Despite these hardships, this young father demonstrated incredible resilience. He moved into the Shelter determined not only to secure stable housing, but to save for a car to make life easier for him and his boys. With dedication and hard work, he took full advantage of the Shelter’s savings and budget plans, focusing on his goals with impressive speed.
On September 17, he achieved one major milestone—he obtained his Pennsylvania driver’s license! Just a few weeks later, he proudly purchased a car, a life-changing step toward independence and stability for his family.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 estimates, single father households have been on the rise in the United States. While single-mother households are more common, single fathers represent a growing portion of single-parent families, currently accounting for almost 20% of all single-parent households.
We are deeply inspired by Andres’ determination and progress. His strength and commitment to building a better future for himself and his children shines through, and we wish him continued success.
Homelessness Awareness Month aims to reduce stigma, inspire community support, and encourage policymakers to prioritize affordable housing, mental health services, and economic assistance. It also offers an opportunity for people to volunteer, donate, and support initiatives to prevent and end homelessness, emphasizing the importance that affordable housing is a human right.
At Sixth Street Shelter, families arrive to fully furnished apartments, which means we’re always in need of housing supplies from our donation list. You can bring new/unused donations to the Sixth Street Shelter in Allentown on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. You can also shop from our Amazon Wishlist to have essential items delivered directly to our doorstep!
With the holidays approaching, we’re excited to offer special donation opportunities like Adopt A Family and our gift card drive, allowing families the pride and independence of shopping for themselves and their children. Monetary donations are always appreciated as they support our vital shelter programming. Celebrate Homelessness Awareness Month with us by making a contribution today!
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