Journey House Turns Three
By: Stef Davis
Updated: November 16, 2010
It has helped hundreds of homeless people in Lycoming County get back on their feet.
And today, Journey House in Williamsport celebrated a milestone.
Journey House in Williamsport is unique in that it isn't a homeless shelter.
Instead, its a place where homeless people can stay and learn how to be self-sufficient.
And today, Journey House celebrated its third year of getting people off the streets and into their own homes.
Reverand Clara Benson of New Covenant U.C.C. says, "Today is a day to celebrate what was and anticipate what will be"
And celebrate they did. Community members met at the New Covenant U.C.C. in Williamsport for a third birthday bash complete with cake, music, and some special guests. The Lycoming County Commissioners were on hand and Journey House even received a proclamation from Williamsport Mayor Gabe Campana.
"Today, Novemer 16th, will be known as Journey House day."
And while the house party was a happy one, heart strings were tugged and tears were shed as the stories of Journey House residents were shared via video.
Students from Lycoming College put together the video and planned the party.
Maddi Swoyer, a senior of Lycoming College, notes, "I went into this really nieve. I didn't realize how important this is.”
Dan Snyder, a senior at Lycoming College, adds,"It is surreal and it isreally emotional. To hear their stories, that really affected us."
Through a program called Project Breakthrough, residents of Journey House go from having nothing to learning how to be positive members of society.
Major Marie Harris of the Salvation Army comments, "They pay taxes. They shop at local stores. We no longer have to support them. They now can support others."
And at the end of the celebration, Journey House got its birthday present...a check donated by the students at Lycoming College to help the house make it to its next birthday.
Organizers say Project Breakthrough, through Journey House, has had a 72 percent success rate.
That means 72 percent of homeless families who have gone through the program are now living on their own in Williamsport.
