The idea of a potential second emergency shelter, one that could allow for families with children, has been discussed to meet the needs of the homeless population in Lehighton.

Nancy Berchtold, officer of St. Vincent de Paul Society of SS Peter & Paul in Lehighton, said they know of two families with three children and that each family is homeless and has nowhere to go.

“At our meeting last night, one of our members mentioned opening another emergency shelter for families with children since we don’t allow children in our Cold Weather Station,” Berchtold said. “And despite Family Promise, Peaceful Knights and our emergency warming shelter, there are families who have no where to go. Our motels are not the answer.”

The Lehighton Cold Weather Station opened its doors on Sunday in the basement of the Ebenezer United Methodist Church at the corner of Third and South streets across from the Lehighton Police Station and Lehighton Fire Department.

Berchtold said they had eight homeless people stay over night, three of whom they didn’t serve last year. They have about a dozen cots available.

The Lehighton Cold Weather Station is a coalition of churches under the support of St. Vincent de Paul Society of SS. Peter & Paul in Lehighton.

Berchtold said that St. Peter’s Community Resource Center, 177 Main Road, in Lehighton, which housed the homeless population of Lehighton last year, is now using that space for other purposes.

She said Ebenezer Methodist Church is now closed and its small congregation has joined Bethany EC Church and Ben Salem United Church of Christ.

As a result, Berchtold said they have the basement of the Ebenezer United Methodist Church available.

Berchtold said the basement of Ebenezer United Methodist Church is open at 6 p.m. for registration and dinner to the homeless when it’s 25 degrees or lower.

She said folks are allowed to stay until 9 a.m., “but our hope is that with enough volunteers, that we can extend that.”

Berchtold said they provide food, and added they just went mostly by volunteers and folks donating food items, but that they would love to have donations of nighttime meals.

She said an informational meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Bethany Wesleyan Church, 1122 Fairyland Road, Lehighton.

There will be an educational and training session on Dec. 12 at a location to be determined.

Berchtold said their Facebook page is now Lehighton Cold Weather Station, where there is a sign-up for volunteers, as well as information on food and staying at the shelter.

She said they are seeking more volunteers to chaperon, make meals, and donate to offer costs for heating, and are grateful for any assistance that can be provided.

For more information, call 570-657-6738.