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In the spirit of Gods word in Isaiah 61, we are called to walk alongside those who are most marginalized in our community, those experiencing homelessness or life at the poverty line.
Our Core Mission: In response to Christ’s love, we join with His mission to walk with our neighbors who are experiencing marginalization and poverty, trusting Him to transform lives and restore hope.
Each day we provide more than basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. We invite each person to experience healing in all areas of life, leaving them restored to be restorers. We provide marginalized members of our community, those experiencing homelessness or poverty, with the tools they need to build a hope-filled future.
We serve:
300+ meals a day
3,000+ medical and dental visits a year in Water Street Health Services
Thousands of hours of life-skills courses, counseling, & job training monthly
170+ guests a night in our Residential Shelter & Providence Shelter
From 1905 to today:
1905 – The Beginning
In May 1905, Dr. Ezra Sieber and his wife began a small group for folks living in downtown Lancaster to gather together and talk about God’s redeeming story. They met in Ms. Sarah Kuhns’ row home on the southwest side of the city. During one of the Sunday evening meetings, Ms. Kuhns committed her life to Jesus Christ and began living a changed life.
1950s – Expanding To Serve
In 1953, the Mission purchased The Conestoga Cotton Mill at 210 South Prince Street. Plans began for renovating the mill into a full service shelter for the hungry and homeless where men, women and children could come for rescue and renewal.
1960s – South Prince Street
By April 1962, the renovated cotton mill was dedicated as Water Street Rescue Mission. The campus housed a kitchen for the homeless to eat, shelter for sleep, a chapel to worship, and clothing distribution. By the end of the decade, the Mission had taken responsibility of Grace Chapel, a children’s ministry. This became Water Street’s first youth ministry.
1970s – Future Is Here
During the 70’s the Mission letterhead held the tagline, “Preaching the Gospel, Feeding the Hungry, Sheltering the Homeless and Feeding the Needy.” In 1975 the mission celebrated 70 years of serving the homeless and the hungry in Lancaster County.
2000s – Revitalization
In 2002 Water Street opened the Lydia Center in Wrightsville, PA to provide a recovery program for women. Then in May 2003, the Mission opened the city’s first dental clinic for low-income residents. By 2006 Kuhn’s Hall renovations were completed, which improved the quality of housing for the homeless. Renovations also expanded Medical, Dental, and Learning.
2010s – Lasting Community
Much growth and change has taken place over the decades in order to provide spiritual, physical, and emotional support for the homeless. Yet, one thing remains the same: the hearts of men, women and children still yearn to experience a life filled with Christ’s redeeming love. Here at Water Street there is a continuous commitment to remain true to the beginning; to be “your church in overalls working among the down trodden and the poor… ”. Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ every man, woman and child living in poverty will feel rich and whole in God’s Kingdom. We continue that which history began.
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