Pa. budget impasse halts Safe Harbor funding, threatens winter shelter

EASTON, Pa. — Safe Harbor Easton is warning the community that Pennsylvania’s ongoing state budget impasse will affect the nonprofit shelter’s operations.

Pennsylvania is now in its fourth month without an approved state budget, making it the only state in the nation without a spending plan for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The deadlock between Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro and the Republican-controlled Senate has delayed billions in funding for schools, Medicaid and social services.

On Sept. 25, the organization said it had “hoped not to have to make” the announcement. Earlier this week, Northampton County Human Services notified Safe Harbor that state funding would be frozen, affecting both current expenditures and future allocations.

County officials stated that the freeze is necessary to ensure that emergency public safety services, such as 911 dispatch centers, can continue to operate.

Safe Harbor said county staff have been “communicative and supportive,” but the funding gap will ripple through community programs. County dollars support sheltering individuals with severe mental illness, assisting those in recovery from substance use disorders, and funding the shelter’s case management program, which helps clients secure housing, treatment and employment.

“The success stories we share with all of you would not be possible without them,” the statement reads.

Safe Harbor’s Director of Development, Sarah Stehlin, told Lehigh Daily that the shelter is fortunate to have some funds set aside for emergencies, along with other funding sources. Still, she said, the lack of state funding could limit services, particularly during the upcoming winter season. From December through March, the shelter expands its capacity at the 50-bed ARISE Shelter, and shifting funds to maintain core operations could impact other programs.

“We have no reason to believe that funding won’t return, but the concern is rather how long it will be frozen,” Stehlin said.

Safe Harbor encouraged community members to donate, supply items through its Amazon Wish List, share information or contact state representatives and senators — particularly those on the appropriations committee — to advocate for a budget resolution. Donations and additional information are available at safeharboreaston.com.