LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — Multiple warming shelters across the Lehigh Valley are open to residents as a major winter storm threatens to dump up to 18 inches of snow on the region beginning early Sunday morning.
The River Crossing YMCA’s Allentown Warming Station at 425 S. 15th St. opened Saturday at 5 p.m. and will remain operational through noon Monday.
The facility expects to have approximately 120 beds available and will provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, showers and what organizers describe as “a welcoming community space for rest, connection, and support.”
Intake hours are Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m., with additional intake Sunday and Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. Those in need of shelter are encouraged to arrive before conditions deteriorate.
“Dangerous travel conditions and prolonged cold temperatures are anticipated,” Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel said in a statement Friday. Forecasters predict snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour beginning around 3 a.m. Sunday and continuing through Monday morning.
The warming station is accepting donations to support guests through the weekend, including puzzles, puzzle books, card games, board games, flashlights, batteries, travel-size deodorant, shelf-stable snacks, sugar and contractor-size garbage bags.
The Allentown Rescue Mission at 355 W. Hamilton St. is also providing emergency shelter all day Saturday and Sunday for single men over 18.
In Northampton County, Safe Harbor at 536 Bushkill Drive in Easton is accepting residents. Third Street Alliance at 41 N. Third St. in Easton serves women, children and families and can be reached at 610-258-6271.
Bethlehem’s emergency shelter at 75 E. Market St. requires vouchers from the Bethlehem Police Department at 10 E. Church St. Doors open at 5 p.m. and close after 8 p.m.
Northampton County residents can call the county’s Information and Referral Line at 610-829-4500 for available resources.
The Lehigh Valley Humane Society has partnered with CART to provide temporary emergency sheltering for up to 12 pets belonging to unhoused individuals through Tuesday at 9 a.m.
Residents can call 211 or text their ZIP code to 898-211 to find a shelter.
Families with children requiring assistance should contact Lehigh County Children and Youth through ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.