Diocesan Annual Appeal 2024: Answering the Call: Providing a New Home for Mother Teresa's Haven

In this heartfelt video, we highlight the critical need for funding to establish a permanent home for Mother Teresa’s Haven, an emergency shelter for those experiencing homelessness in Wilkes-Barre. Donations to the 2024 Diocesan Annual Appeal help to fund critical programs of Catholic Social Services that provide vital assistance to the community.
The video educates the community about the plans for the first permanent location for Mother Teresa’s Haven emergency shelter. For many years, the shelter had rotated between several church locations in the Diamond City.
Since COVID, the shelter has been using St. Mary’s Church in Wilkes-Barre as a location - but that was never designed to be a permanent solution.
Having received zoning approval from Wilkes-Barre, plans call for the creation of a dedicated, stable facility housing beds for approximately 20 men on the second floor of the building that currently houses Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen on East Jackson Street. This location will provide a greater opportunity for Catholic Social Services to seamlessly serve the community, especially those seeking assistance with food and/or shelter, fostering a sense of security and hope.
The video concludes with a compelling call to action, encouraging viewers to contribute to the 2024 Diocesan Annual Appeal. By supporting Catholic Social Services through the Appeal, parishioners are able to assist in the establishment of a permanent home for Mother Teresa’s Haven, investing in a crucial resource that will provide lasting relief and compassionate care for
those experiencing homelessness in Luzerne County.
Interviews include:
• Joseph Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton
• Harry Lyons, Catholic Social Services Program Supervisor for Mother Teresa’s Haven
• Mike Cianciotta, Executive Director, Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen, Wilkes-Barre