Our Facility
A New Home, A Fresh Start
At the Tioga County Homeless Initiative (TCHI), our mission is deeply rooted in providing a warm, safe, and caring environment for individuals and families facing homelessness in our community. We understand that homelessness in a rural area like Tioga County presents unique challenges, often marked by limited public transportation, scattered resources, and a more “hidden” nature of those in need. Our new, purpose-built facility is a direct response to these challenges, designed to be a comprehensive hub of support, dignity, and a pathway to stability for our neighbors.
Every aspect of our new building has been meticulously planned to embody our core values of compassion and respect, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person who walks through our doors. It is more than just a shelter; it is a foundation upon which lives can be rebuilt.
A Welcoming Home: Comfort and Community
From the moment you arrive at our facility, you will find a space designed for comfort, healing, and connection. The exterior of our building features a welcoming entrance with a pitched roof, stone accents, and inviting double doors, blending seamlessly into the rural landscape.
Our facility offers a variety of accommodations to meet the diverse needs of our guests:
- Individual Sleeping Areas: For individuals, our dedicated sleeping areas offer a sense of personal space and security, crucial for rest and rejuvenation. The spacious bedroom is designed with sturdy white bunk beds, each featuring a personal light. Colorful quilts and blankets add a touch of home, while built-in stairs provide easy access to the upper bunks, and individual black lockers along the wall offer secure storage for guests’ belongings. This layout aims to create a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing for individual privacy within a supportive community setting. We ensure a clean and hygienic environment by providing fresh blankets, sheets, and pillows for every guest upon arrival.
- Private Family Rooms: Recognizing the unique needs of families, we are proud to offer two dedicated private rooms, specifically designed for families. These two-family rooms share one dedicated bathroom, providing essential privacy and comfort, allowing families to stay together in a secure and supportive environment.
Nourishment and Independence: Our Community Kitchen
We believe in fostering independence and the power of shared meals. Our kitchen is a vibrant hub where guests can prepare their food and enjoy communal dining. Our modern, fully equipped kitchen is the heart of our facility. It boasts a large stainless-steel double-door refrigerator, double wall ovens, and ample dark wood cabinetry. A central island with built-in food lockers and a toaster oven offers additional workspace and storage, while a wooden dining table with chairs provides a comfortable space for meals.
- Fully Equipped Commercial Kitchen: Our state-of-the-art kitchen provides everything needed for preparing nutritious meals.
- Communal Dinner (Monday – Friday): We provide a hearty, nutritious dinner to all guests Monday through Friday, fostering a sense of community around the table.
- Guest-Prepared Meals (Every Day): Guests are encouraged and empowered to utilize the kitchen facilities to prepare their breakfasts and lunches daily, and to cook their dinners on weekends. This promotes self-sufficiency and provides a comforting routine.
- Welcoming Dining Area: A spacious and inviting dining area encourages guests to gather, share meals, and build relationships, fostering a vital sense of community and mutual support.
Essential Services: Building Blocks for a Brighter Future
Beyond immediate shelter and sustenance, our facility provides essential amenities that support daily needs and foster long-term progress.
Our clean and modern bathroom facilities are designed for comfort and accessibility. The bright sink area features a large double sink vanity, a wide mirror, and ample lighting, providing convenient personal care. The main bathroom area features light-colored walls and tiled floors, with multiple private stalls and access to showers. A spacious, tiled shower stall is equipped with grab bars and a portable shower chair and stool, emphasizing our commitment to accessibility. Individual towels are readily available, alongside access to clean and accessible shower facilities and multiple private bathroom stalls, enabling our guests to maintain their hygiene and well-being with dignity.
On-site Laundry Facilities: Access to washers and dryers empowers guests to maintain their clothing, which is essential for self-esteem, job readiness, and overall well-being.
Comprehensive Handicap Accessibility: We are proud that our entire facility, from the entrance to all communal areas and private spaces, is completely handicap accessible. This ensures that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can navigate and utilize our spaces with ease, dignity, and independence.
Beyond Amenities: Empowering Futures in Tioga County
Our new facility is not just about physical amenities; it is about providing a comprehensive platform for change, specifically tailored to the needs of Tioga County’s homeless population.
Our recreational space offers a bright and open area for guests to relax and connect. It features a full-sized pool table, providing a positive outlet for recreation and social interaction, promoting a sense of normalcy and community. Large rustic barn doors add a touch of warmth to the space.
For outdoor respite, our back porch offers a peaceful space with stunning views. A spacious outdoor deck is furnished with a glass-top table and chairs, perfect for enjoying the fresh air. The breathtaking view from our facility showcases rolling green hills and lush trees under a broad sky, offering a serene backdrop for quiet reflection or casual conversation.
Dedicated Case Management: This enhanced space allows our dedicated staff and case managers to work even more closely with guests. We understand that overcoming homelessness is a complex journey, and our case managers provide personalized support in navigating Tioga County’s resources for housing, employment, education, healthcare, and family reunification. This one-on-one attention is critical in a rural setting where resources may be more dispersed.
Safe and Structured Environment: We prioritize a clean, sanitary, and secure living space. Our policies and expectations foster a respectful and supportive atmosphere where guests can focus on healing, planning, and taking tangible steps toward independence without fear or distraction.
Community Parking: Convenient and secure parking is available for guests who have vehicles. A gravel parking area stretches along the side of the building, offering ample space.
A Faith-Based Foundation of Support: As a faith-based nonprofit, TCHI operates with a spirit of unwavering compassion and is strengthened by the invaluable support of local churches, volunteers, and community partners throughout Tioga County. This network is integral to fulfilling our mission and creating a truly welcoming environment.
The opening of this new facility marks a pivotal moment for the Tioga County Homeless Initiative. It is a testament to the generosity of our community and a powerful symbol of our commitment to breaking the cycle of homelessness, one person and one family at a time, right here in Tioga County. Furthermore, looking to the future, we are actively partnering with a local healthcare provider to bring essential health services directly to TCHI. This collaboration will establish a doctor’s office in our basement, ensuring our guests have convenient access to medical care. In addition, this dedicated basement space will serve as emergency bedding in times of natural disasters or other large emergencies occurring in Tioga County, PA, solidifying TCHI’s role as a vital community resource beyond day-to-day shelter. We are dedicated to offering not just shelter, but a foundation of hope, practical support, and empowerment for those who need it most.
