SCRANTON — With winter officially upon Lackawanna County, the commissioners lauded the “Good Works” of the Bethel AME Church Emergency Shelter at 716 N. Washington Ave. The facility is open, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week and provides meals, snacks, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Guests are able to take a shower, eat and get a night’s rest. The shelter, which operates via donations of food, clothing, bedding and hygiene products, is staffed by church and community volunteers and has a capacity of 24 people. During the extreme cold, the shelter will house as many people as possible who are seeking refuge from the elements.

From left, Lackawanna County Commissioner Jerry Notarianni; Frank Jordan, Bethel AME Church Shelter Coordinator; Rich Heim, Bethel AME Church; Rev. Darian N. Banks, Bethel AME Church Pastor; Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick M. OMalley; Heather Bailey and Bonnie Warning, Bethel AME Church; and Commissioner Laureen A. Cummings.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/web1_Bethel-AME-Shelter-Good-Works-Pix.jpg.optimal.jpgFrom left, Lackawanna County Commissioner Jerry Notarianni; Frank Jordan, Bethel AME Church Shelter Coordinator; Rich Heim, Bethel AME Church; Rev. Darian N. Banks, Bethel AME Church Pastor; Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick M. OMalley; Heather Bailey and Bonnie Warning, Bethel AME Church; and Commissioner Laureen A. Cummings. Submitted photo

For Abington Journal

Information provided by Lackawanna County Communications Director Joseph A. D’Arienzo.