A new overnight homeless shelter opened in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on Monday (December 1), providing much-needed support for the city's unhoused population during the winter months. The nonprofit organization Tenfold has added 40 additional beds to its existing 80-bed Clay Street shelter to help meet the increased demand for housing as temperatures drop.
The new shelter, located on East King Street, will operate from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily until March 1, 2026. According to Tenfold's CEO, Shelby Nauman, the decision to open the additional shelter space comes in response to the consistent overflow at the Clay Street location, which often turns people away due to capacity limits. Nauman emphasized the need for more shelter capacity, noting that some individuals are still sleeping in downtown areas despite the available resources.
The overnight shelter is low barrier, meaning it does not impose preconditions such as sobriety on those seeking refuge. Tenfold is actively seeking volunteers to help with shelter operations, as well as donations of essential supplies like handwarmers and coffee. The organization encourages community members to visit their website for more information on how to support the shelter's efforts.
In addition to the overnight shelter, Tenfold continues to partner with Anchor Lancaster to provide a day center in a converted parking garage. The day center, which operates Monday through Friday, offers a warm and safe space for individuals experiencing homelessness.