HISTORY

S.T.A.R., formerly Helping Bethlehem's Homeless, was created in March of 2015 with the awareness that there are many in our community that are suffering. There are many that do not have homes, and instead must live under bridges or tucked back deep in the woods, separated from society. A few concerned and dedicated individuals began their own outreach, looking for them where they seek refuge. After starting collections and attending local events, they started their own resource center, focused on creating another place for them to acquire what the homeless need to get by, and somewhere they can relax for just a few moments away from the elements.  

It wasn’t until June of 2015 that Rosemont Church had offered their home to S.T.A.R. Through many food and clothing drives we acquired a stocked pantry and many full racks of clothing to assist our clients in their needs. Throughout this time members of S.T.A.R. volunteered at many other events and services, working with El Shaddai, Christ UCC, Trinity, as well as others. S.T.A.R. and its members have a very firm respect for the services provided by many of the fantastic organizations in the Valley, and have always sought to work together to address the issues that plague our community.

Some of the events S.T.A.R. and its members have participated in include:

    Stand Up event at El Shaddai Ministries with Hope for Veterans;

    Color Run at Lehigh University

    Boo-Fest 2015

    Downtown Bethlehem Scarves Project

    Basket Raffle

    Gardening Days

    T. Holmes Foundation Book Bags Against Bullying event

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In 2017 S.T.A.R. moved to a larger location at Christ UCC Church on the corner of East Market and Center Street in Downtown Bethlehem.

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Following Covid, unfortunately we had to stop our food pantry. 

As S.T.A.R. continues to build, we seek to add on its outreach with the community, both with our clients and other service organizations that make our community stronger.