Ever wonder about the hidden challenges in our community? Lebanon City recently revealed a concerning rise in its homeless population, with a particularly heartbreaking impact on children. What steps can we take together to support our most vulnerable residents?

Lebanon City is grappling with a significant increase in its homeless population, a stark reality highlighted by recent findings. The Coalition to End Homelessness presented a sobering snapshot of the community’s housing challenges to city officials, revealing a particularly alarming surge in child homelessness within the city limits. This growing concern underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address housing insecurity across the region.

The summer Point-In-Time (PIT) Count, conducted on August 6th, served as a crucial data collection effort. Volunteers diligently identified 14 unsheltered individuals on that specific night, successfully connecting several to vital county support programs. This annual count is instrumental in providing an estimate of Lebanon homelessness, offering a tangible measure of the progress, or indeed regression, in local efforts to mitigate this pressing social issue.

Laurie Funk, the 2025 PIT Count Coordinator and spokesperson for the Coalition, emphasized the visible presence of those experiencing homelessness, noting specific areas like Willow and 7th St. Beyond the unsheltered, the count also revealed an additional 71 individuals residing in various shelter programs, including facilities like Lebanon County Christian Ministries and the Lebanon Rescue Mission, underscoring the broader scope of the challenge.

A particularly distressing aspect of the findings pertains to the welfare of younger residents. Funk highlighted that child homelessness is a critical concern, especially as the school year commences. Last year, a staggering 389 children in Lebanon City alone were identified as experiencing housing insecurity, living in situations ranging from being “doubled up” to residing in hotels or being unaccompanied, marking the highest number across the county.

The issue of housing insecurity extends beyond Lebanon City, affecting multiple school districts throughout the county. Data presented indicated significant numbers in areas such as Annville Cleona (35 children), Cornwall Lebanon (143), ELCO (72), Northern Lebanon (93), and Palmyra (82). These figures serve as a stark reminder to Lebanon city officials and the wider public about the pervasive nature of this societal challenge.

Mayor Sherry Capello acknowledged the city’s commitment to developing a robust housing strategy to combat these trends. Over the past two years, the city has actively collaborated with county officials and the Community Health Council of Lebanon County to conduct a comprehensive housing needs assessment. This collaborative approach aims to lay the groundwork for effective, long-term solutions.

While existing initiatives like the first-time home buyer assistance program are in place, Capello noted a decrease in participation. This decline is attributed to the drastic increase in housing costs and strict income limits, which have created barriers for many potential homeowners. The city is currently processing letters of interest from property owners for repair projects, utilizing grant funding to address critical housing infrastructure needs. The city’s proposed $39,500 match, slated for the 2026 general fund budget, signifies ongoing dedication to these community improvement efforts and community outreach.