The woman resting on the sofa in a room at The Factory Ministries never expected to be homeless, but a series of occurrences beyond her control have led to her current situation. "I can come here and put my leg up and stretch out," she said, noting that she has lymphedema in one leg and back issues. "God provides." Because of her unusual situation, the woman does not qualify for some area programs, but The Factory is giving her a comfortable place to relax during the day, along with other services.

"It's important for folks to have a place to be regardless of what they're eligible for," said Shira Zimmerman, senior director of adult services with The Factory, which is located at 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise. Zimmerman noted that the woman is in a service gap. "We are working with an advocate to try to navigate that."

Although The Factory has always helped those in need of a place to get out of the cold, the organization recently became a designated warming and cooling center recognized by the Office for the Coalition to End Homelessness of Lancaster County. "The Factory has always been about coming alongside folks who are experiencing various forms of poverty, homelessness being what I would consider one of the deepest forms," said Zimmerman, who added that the ministry seeks to fill gaps where county or state services are not available.

"If it's warm outside, this place is cool, and if it's cold outside, this place is warm," said Zimmerman, who noted that The Factory's "comfortable space" currently moves around depending on what is happening in the building. Zimmerman stated that the center is a "place where folks living in their cars can come during the day to reset ... charge their phones ... have access to a computer ... conversation, and coffee in a temperature-appropriate way." In some cases, the homeless person may be older or have a disability that makes living in a car especially uncomfortable. "Having a place to put your feet up is big," said Zimmerman.

"The vision is to have a designated space designed with all those elements in one place," said Zimmerman, who said that The Factory has applied for a grant to help refurbish a space and that a decision on that application should be made by early 2025. "We have a lot of space, but it's about how efficiently we're using it," she explained.

It is important to Zimmerman that the new spot not isolate visitors from the daily happenings at The Factory. "A lot of the reason folks come in is for social interaction," she said, noting that it bothers her when the room that is available for the center removes visitors from others. She hopes to locate the designated warming and cooling space in an area where interaction with clients, visitors, and staff members is common.

Zimmerman said that many people who need shelter during the day make a stop at The Factory part of their routine. She noted that people living in their cars need to run them for warmth or air conditioning, which uses fuel. She also pointed to the safety of the building. "If during this time you need to take a little nap, you can do that," she said. "We have always said (the homeless) were welcome in our building during operating hours." Operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. "Just come in and tell the receptionist (what you need)," said Zimmerman, adding that those who need to use a computer should call ahead. "We will accommodate," she stated.

Readers who would like more information may call 717-687-9594. Those who wish to learn about The Factory and its programs may visit https://thefactoryministries.com.