NORRISTOWN, PA — A groundbreaking solution to homelessness is taking shape in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, with Montgomery County’s announcement of a new year-round short-term supportive housing facility. Set to open in 2025, this long-overdue resource is expected to deliver immediate relief and lasting hope for some of Lansdale’s most vulnerable residents.
This isn’t just another shelter—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when local leadership, community organizations, and determined partnerships come together. The facility, made possible through a collaboration between Montgomery County, the Borough of Lansdale, and Resources for Human Development (RHD), will house up to 20 individuals in single- and double-occupancy rooms designed with dignity and respect in mind.
“No one should have to live on the streets, and in Montgomery County, we’ve prioritized caring for the most vulnerable among us,” said Jamila H. Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “Thanks to a collaborative partnership with Lansdale Borough and the operational support of RHD, we are implementing tangible solutions that prioritize dignity and support for our neighbors. This is just the beginning.”
What makes this facility groundbreaking isn’t just the services it provides—it’s the scope and care behind its design. This shelter goes far beyond offering a bed for the night. Residents will receive individualized case management, behavioral health services, public benefits assistance, and connections to permanent affordable housing. The goal is not merely to shelter people but to position them for long-term success. This comprehensive model aims to reduce Lansdale’s unsheltered population by 50% to 75%, targeting an issue that has reached critical levels in recent years.
“This project demonstrates the power of partnerships,” noted Neil K. Makhija, Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “By working hand in hand, we’re showing what’s possible when local governments and community partners come together to serve residents. This shelter is more than a building—it’s a promise to our neighbors that we are here for them.”
The annual operational cost for the facility is estimated at $1.3 million, covering 24/7 on-site support, staffing, and resources crucial to addressing homelessness holistically. For perspective, Lansdale’s January 2024 Point-in-Time Count revealed at least 27 unsheltered residents, with homelessness ebbing and flowing at higher rates depending on seasonal conditions. These aren’t just numbers—they are lives disrupted by economic challenges, mental health struggles, and systemic failures.
Residents of Lansdale and surrounding towns are keenly aware of the toll homelessness takes—not just on individuals but on communities as a whole. These effects range from strained public health resources to disrupted neighborhoods. Yet, perhaps most significantly, homelessness erodes hope—for those experiencing it and those witnessing it. Montgomery County’s new facility works to restore that hope, providing tools for change and rebuilding trust in community systems.
Mary Fuller, Lansdale Borough Council President, emphasized the borough’s pride in extending a helping hand. “Collaborating with the County on this initiative to provide shelter is truly a privilege for the borough, and we are honored to be called back to the table to provide resources for those who need them most,” she said.
What truly sets this facility apart is its wraparound support approach, ensuring that residents can reconnect with the community and rebuild their lives. From workforce development opportunities to youth and mental health services, this initiative creates pathways that fundamentally address the roots of homelessness rather than just treating its symptoms.
Brian Rhodes, CEO of Resources for Human Development, described the initiative as transformational. “This year-round short-term supportive housing investment represents a significant advancement to providing the comprehensive supports needed to solve homelessness while valuing the importance of treating people with dignity and respect.”
While the Lansdale shelter is a significant step, it’s far from the last. Montgomery County has been forging relationships and initiating plans with multiple municipalities, including Norristown, Pottstown, and West Norriton, to expand this model and provide even more resources across the region. These discussions could yield additional announcements in 2025, signaling a broader commitment to tackling homelessness at its core.
“This shelter is about keeping people connected to their support systems in Lansdale and giving them tools to get back on their feet,” added Montgomery County Commissioner Thomas DiBello.
With the opening of this facility, Montgomery County isn’t just responding to homelessness—it’s taking a leadership role and inviting municipalities across Pennsylvania and the nation to follow suit. This isn’t just a shelter; it’s a movement—a testament to what dedicated action and collaboration can achieve for some of society’s most marginalized members. The message is clear: Montgomery County is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind.
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