Williamsport faces shelter gap for women and families after Saving Grace closure

Williamsport now faces a significant challenge in providing shelter for women, children, and families after the closure of the Saving Grace Shelter on Sept. 11. The former shelter, operated by American Rescue Workers, was the city’s only general emergency shelter for these groups, according to local advocates working to address homelessness.

The Saving Grace Shelter, located at Campbell and Grace streets, was expected to be sold to Next Step Ministries, a nonprofit founded by John and Sue Best. The organization runs the seasonal Code Blue Shelter at First Church. However, John Best stated that Next Step Ministries has withdrawn from the planned purchase after learning the building’s maximum occupancy was limited to 24 people.

“That’s just not acceptable to us,” Best said. “We would like to have at least double that or more, because we want to address the homeless population in Williamsport and the surrounding area. It’s huge and getting bigger.”

Next Step had hoped to transform the property into a year-round shelter for men, women, and children, while also offering daytime services to assist individuals in finding long-term housing and other support. Best noted that city codes officials were cooperative, but expanding the building’s capacity would likely have required a change from a residential to an institutional occupancy designation. This process could have involved costly upgrades such as installing a sprinkler system, adding another exit, and addressing other requirements.

“On that basis, we decided just to walk away and withdraw our offer,” Best said. “They were very cooperative. It just didn’t fit with us.”

American Rescue Workers continues to operate a temporary shelter for men at its Elmira Street location. The YWCA Northcentral PA also provides shelter for individuals experiencing domestic abuse. However, with Saving Grace closed and Family Promise no longer operating, there is currently no general emergency shelter in Williamsport for women, children, and families. The seasonal Code Blue Shelter serves men, women, and children from January through March.

The closure has coincided with reports of people sleeping on benches and in sheltered doorways throughout the city. Best expressed hope that the Saving Grace building, which remains a viable property, could attract interest from another organization.

“It’s a great building, and others may be interested in looking at it,” he said.

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