2nd Homeless Encampment
Allentown to Clear Second Homeless Encampment Along Jordan Creek Next Week Due to City Priority Concerns
Allentown to Clear Second Homeless Encampment Along Jordan Creek Next Week Due to City Priority Concerns
ALLENTOWN, Pa., October 23, 2025
City officials will start clearing a second homeless encampment along Jordan Creek. Next week, continuing efforts to manage public safety amid flood risks. However, some residents and advocates argue that the mayor and city council prioritize gentrification and property values over meaningful support for the homeless community.
Mayor Matt Tuerk said that about 20 residents living south of the Hamilton Street bridge in a floodplain will be evacuated “compassionately” with available resources to help with relocation. Public works crews and police will post no-trespassing signs on Monday, with cleanup starting on November 10 in two phases. The Allentown Health Bureau will offer outreach services during the transition.
Despite these efforts, homeless residents voiced frustration at last week’s City Council meeting over unclear timelines and limited support. One long-term resident said constant moves prevent them from improving their situations. He expressed support for a proposed ordinance to establish clearer eviction procedures and timelines, providing residents with more notice and options.
Critics argue that the city’s leadership actions show a focus on gentrification interests rather than a genuine effort to address homelessness. A legal challenge from a local developer claimed that the encampments negatively impact property values, and this emphasis on real estate concerns has increased the perception that officials prioritize urban development over vulnerable residents. Council members advocating for stronger protections stated that the mayor and some colleagues have resisted policies aimed at increasing accountability and compassion in eviction procedures.
This second eviction follows one in September, when over 100 people were displaced from another Jordan Creek camp. The mayor delayed that eviction to allow the Allentown YMCA’s cold-weather shelter to open early, which now serves about 65 people nightly.
As temperatures drop, local agencies keep outreach efforts going, but uncertainty and distrust still exist among homeless people who see the encampments as a community and fear losing their already limited stability.residents and advocates argue that the mayor and city council prioritize gentrification and property values over meaningful support for the homeless community.
Mayor Matt Tuerk said that about 20 residents living south of the Hamilton Street bridge in a floodplain will be evacuated “compassionately” with available resources to help with relocation. Public works crews and police will post no-trespassing signs on Monday, with cleanup starting on November 10 in two phases. The Allentown Health Bureau will offer outreach services during the transition.
Despite these efforts, homeless residents voiced frustration at last week’s City Council meeting over unclear timelines and limited support. One long-term resident said constant moves prevent them from improving their situations. He expressed support for a proposed ordinance to establish clearer eviction procedures and timelines, providing residents with more notice and options.
Critics argue that the city’s leadership actions show a focus on gentrification interests rather than a genuine effort to address homelessness. A legal challenge from a local developer claimed that the encampments negatively impact property values, and this emphasis on real estate concerns has increased the perception that officials prioritize urban development over vulnerable residents. Council members advocating for stronger protections stated that the mayor and some colleagues have resisted policies aimed at increasing accountability and compassion in eviction procedures.
This second eviction follows one in September, when over 100 people were displaced from another Jordan Creek camp. The mayor delayed that eviction to allow the Allentown YMCA’s cold-weather shelter to open early, which now serves about 65 people nightly.
As temperatures drop, local agencies keep outreach efforts going, but uncertainty and distrust still exist among homeless people who see the encampments as a community and fear losing their already limited stability.At Improving Lives, we started with the goal of providing the best products and services to our customers. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, we have established ourselves as a trusted brand that delivers quality every time.
HOMELESSNESS IS REAL
HOMELESSNESS FEAR
Homelessness in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has become a visible and urgent issue in 2025, reflecting wider economic and housing challenges across the Lehigh Valley.
Current Situation
In late September 2025, the City of Allentown dismantled a significant homeless encampment along Jordan Creek, an action that incited community discussion regarding the balance between safety, housing rights, and public health considerations. The 2025 Lehigh Valley “Point-in-Time” Count documented an almost 91% increase in unsheltered homelessness from 2023 to 2024, with projections indicating a further rise this year attributable to elevated rental costs, limited housing availability, and the cessation of pandemic-era support initiatives.
Key Causes
The main causes of rising homelessness in Allentown include:
Severe affordable housing shortages; the Lehigh Valley is short nearly 14,500 units for extremely low-income residents, with gentrification pushing vulnerable residents out of downtown areas.
Economic pressures like rising rents, stagnant wages, and loss of temporary aid.
Mental health and addiction issues have worsened due to decreased access to in-person support following COVID-19.
Local Responses and Services
Despite the scale of the problem, many organizations are working together to help.
Allentown Warming Station at River Crossing YMCA, located at 425 South 15th Street, provides nightly shelter, meals, and showers from September through April.
Allentown Rescue Mission upholds its longstanding tradition of helping men facing homelessness find stable employment and housing.
The Salvation Army’s Rich Fleming Family Hope Center offers emergency housing for women and children.
Sixth Street Shelter and Family Promise of Lehigh Valley focus on helping families achieve stability through supportive housing and case management.
Lehigh County’s Homeless Assistance Program provides rental help and case management through agencies such as Catholic Charities, the Hispanic American Organization, and the Lehigh County Conference of Churches.
Policy and City Efforts
Allentown’s Commission on Homelessness advises city leaders on strategies to prevent and reduce homelessness. The city also plans to request federal HUD funds to support housing development and social services as part of its ongoing recovery efforts.
The Salvation Army Lehigh Valley
Mission
The Salvation Army in the Lehigh Valley
Welcome to The Salvation Army, Lehigh Valley. We are very excited about 2018 and the opportunities we have to help so many. With emerging technology and ever-increasing need, we have the chance to help get so many people back on track. With the help of our faithful donors, sponsors, and volunteers, we plan to assist more people in this new year than ever before.
Welcome to the The Salvation Army, Lehigh Valley. We are very excited about 2018 and the opportunities we have to help so many. With emerging technology and ever increasing need, we have the chance to help get so many people back on track. With the help of our faithful donors, sponsors, and volunteers, we plan to assist more people in this new year than ever before.
When you give to The Salvation Army, expect change. Change in the number of teens finding mentors and staying in school. Change in the lives of people devastated by e in the lives of families torn apart by drug and alcohol addiction. By addressing the whole person – physically, emotionally, and spiritually - The Salvation Army in the Lehigh Valley offers hope and creates change by addressing the whole person- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. By addressing the whole person- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. owi by addressing the whole person- physically, emotionally and spirituallyng need for emergency safety net services continues to rise as our needs exceed our resources.
When you give to The Salvation Army, expect change. Change in the number of teens finding mentors and staying in school. Change in the lives of people devastated by fire and flooding. Change in the violence plaguing our neighborhoods. Change in the lives of families torn apart by drug and alcohol addiction. By addressing the whole person – physically, emotionally and spiritually - The Salvation Army in the Lehigh Valley offers hope and creates change.
The Salvation Army has been blessed to serve the people of the Lehigh Valley because of the generous support of our donors, volunteers, and community advocates. Through the recent economic challenges, your support has enabled us to continue to serve our neighbors in need 365 days a year. We pride ourselves on the fact that .84 cents of every dollar raised in the Lehigh Valley goes directly into services for the public.
The Facts
LEHIGH VALLEY
- 40% of all homeless in the Lehigh Valley are children.
- Over 20% of children living in Bethlehem are living in poverty.
- The unemployment rate in Easton has risen nearly 5% in the last decade.
- Approximately 80% of students in the Allentown School District live in low-income households.
- Many middle class families face financial emergencies from time to time and seek our services.
- The US Census Bureau reports that the poverty rate in Allentown is at a staggering estimated 26.4%.
- 60% of the households who fall under the poverty level in Pen Argyl are represented by married couples.
f domestic and intimate partner a
Turning Point
Turning Point is a safe place where ALL survivors of domestic and intimate partner abuse and their children can find refuge.
Turning Point provides confidential resources and support for individuals and families in Lehigh and Northampton counties. In fiscal year 2024–2025, we served more than 3,772 Lehigh Valley residents through our trauma-informed, inclusive programs, which include: a 24-hour Helpline, Emergency Safe House, Empowerment Counseling and Groups, Legal Advocacy, Education and Training, and Medical Advocacy.
Welcome to Improving Lives!
BLOOM Help. Heal. Hope.
Improving Lives is proud to champion the critical work of Bloom, an organization providing sanctuary and comprehensive support to survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Bloom's multifaceted approach facilitates healing, empowerment, and pathways to sustainable employment, enabling these courageous women to rebuild their lives.
Bloom's commitment extends from immediate emergency response services to a transformative two-year residential program. Recognizing the unique needs of pregnant and parenting survivors, Bloom offers specialized services and independent living accommodations, fostering stability and nurturing environments.
Beyond direct engagement with survivors, Bloom proactively engages in community education and implements prevention programs, demonstrating a holistic commitment to addressing and eradicating sexual exploitation. This includes extending vital support services to male, children, and youth survivors, acknowledging the diverse faces of trauma and exploitation. Improving Lives recognizes Bloom as a vital resource, offering not just a haven, but a springboard for survivors to reclaim their futures with dignity and strength
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Beyond direct engagement with survivors, Bloom proactively engages in community education and implements prevention programs, demonstrating a holistic commitment to addressing and eradicating sexual exploitation. This includes extending vital support services to male, children, and youth survivors, acknowledging the diverse faces of trauma and exploitation. Improving Lives recognizes Bloom as a vital resource, offering not just a haven but a springboard for survivors to reclaim their futures with dignity and strength.
Bloom's Organization
In early 2021, two non-profit organizations (Truth For Women and Bloom Bangor), both dedicated to empowering survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation in the Lehigh Valley, came together as one (Bloom) to become a stronger force in the fight against sex trafficking in our community.
Together as one, Bloom offers sanctuary and a continuum of care to heal, empower and employ survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. As a faith-based non-profit, Bloom empowers women to heal and create a new future through its emergency response, its two-year residential program, pregnant and parenting survivor services and its independent living housing.
Bloom follows the model of the remarkably successful Thistle Farms program in Nashville, Tenn. and is part of the Thistle Farms National Network of sister communities, joining almost 60 other sister agencies across the U.S. Bloom is also a member of the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance, which is a network of providers serving survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Truth For Women’s History:
Truth for Women was originally founded in 1999 to cultivate a spiritually healthy community by building a vibrant network of women from every social, economic, and denominational background who would share strengths, resources, and information that would help women understand and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. Volunteer and community leader, Sally Hall, galvanized these dedicated women and resources from many churches in the Lehigh Valley to launch what was originally The Women’s Center.
Incorporated in 2004, Truth for Women offered three distinct services: networking, a women’s center, and a resale boutique. The strong network continued to grow to include support from a large number of collaborative organizations, as well as individuals, who come together to share strengths, resources, and information to fulfill our mission of providing sanctuary and emergency stabilization to survivors of sex trafficking.
This network helped Truth For Women to support The Women’s Center of the Lehigh Valley that opened to provide a resource and safe haven where women would be treated with honor and respect and would offer them help, hope, and healing. This facility, The Heather House (formerly known as the Truth Home), continues to offer a safe haven for women and provides care for sexually exploited women. The upscale resale boutique, My Sister’s Closet, first opened its doors in 2008 to help fund the ministries of Truth for Women and continues to be a source for funding for Bloom and employment opportunities for our survivors.
Bloom Bangor’s History:
Launched in 2016, Bloom was modeled after the successful Thistle Farms Nashville program that was founded in 1997. The programs were designed not just to help a subculture of women, but to help change the culture itself. The organizations stand in solidarity with women who are recovering from sexual abuse, violence and life on the streets, and who have paid dearly for a culture that buys and sells women like commodities.
Bloom Bangor, which is now named the Jasmine House, is a two-year residential housing program with a community-based motto of “love heals” and named after the first woman graduate. Bloom Bangor helps residents to live honest, sober and self-sufficient lives and provides them with educational and vocational opportunities. Bloom fosters self-understanding through personal and spiritual growth counseling; life-skills building and maintenance education; access to medical and dental care; opportunities to work toward economic self-sufficiency through Bloom Creative Studio and other business partners.
Bloom Bangor’s programs advocate living gracefully in community with one another. New residents are given a key and are offered the necessary resources to maintain recovery, heal from childhood wounds, become physically healthy and find employment. Residents, graduates, staff and volunteers share daily tasks, offer hospitality, build upon each other’s strengths, and provide compassionate, disciplined support.
Bloom's Mission
Providing sanctuary and a continuum of care to heal, empower and employ survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Bloom's Vision
A lifelong sisterhood of hope, healing and freedom.
HEY, this is important
Republicans in Washington have officially passed their bill
Hello, It's Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
Republicans in Washington have officially passed their bill to cut food assistance and health care for millions of Americans – including over 300,000 Pennsylvanians losing Medicaid alone – eliminate energy jobs, and raise our electricity bills – all while adding $3.4 trillion to our national deficit.
It's unconscionable
And all of this just to pay for tax cuts for people who don't need it, while making working families foot the bill.
But this is a battle we can't turn our backs on, Barbara. American workers, families, and students are counting on us to make progress and fight back against the extremism coming from Washington – 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻.
We can only defend our fundamental rights and freedoms with the help of grassroots Democrats like you. Will you add your name now to stand with Democratic governors who are standing up for you and fighting for our freedoms across the country?
𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲: https://t.demgov.co/FwX2UKpz
Thank you,
Josh Shapiro via DGA