A popular shelter, once on the brink of remaining closed during long winter nights, is now offering hope for hundreds of homeless people.
Just a few weeks ago, City Light Ministries, in the 200 block of N. 9th Street in Reading, was only open during the day, and after 9:00 p.m., the homeless had to find another place to sleep.
That's no longer the case, and the staff couldn't be happier.
"The people that walk in these doors, City Light's doors, I call them my family," said Lisa Grimes.
About a year ago, the shelter had been shut down by the city, citing the building was not up to code.
But repairs were made, and the city was willing to allow the shelter to open during nighttime hours.
"The city has graciously given us a temporary occupancy, which says all of the work isn't done, but the building has been deemed safe," said John Sclafani.
And already the shelter is giving back. Just Monday, they helped a woman escape the cold temperatures and return home to Texas.
"She had no place to go. So she's now back with her family in Texas," said John Grimes. "That's what we try to do."
The shelter is receiving about 40 men and women, and officials say since the shelter has reopened during nighttime hours, everything has run smoothly with no problems.
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