Grant Support Helps Families Rebuild at Bell Family Shelter
With the support of WellSpan Health and the Homeward Bound grant, Bell Family Shelter continues to help families build a more independent and brighter future where families rebuild, thrive, and reclaim hope for the future.
Thanks to the Homeward Bound: Housing Solutions for Homeless Families grant, funded by WellSpan Health, Bell Family Shelter can continue its mission of helping families find stability and hope. The grant runs until June 2026, providing critical funding for healthy food, rental assistance, moving expenses, and trauma-informed care for staff.
For families experiencing homelessness, even small steps toward independence can feel overwhelming. The cost of securing a new home — first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit — is often just out of reach. Rental assistance through this grant removes that barrier, giving families the chance to move forward.
Marcella, Director of Shelter Services, shares: “Rental assistance is crucial for families who are working hard but still come up short. This support enables more families in our community to regain their independence.”
The grant also ensures families have access to nutritious meals — a vital part of health and well-being. Rising food costs, allergies, and limited resources make healthy eating a daily challenge for many families.
“You don’t realize how important good nutrition is until you’ve had to go without it,” says Marcella. “The funds for healthy foods will be a great asset to our budget and serve our families well. Some of our happiest moments are when families say, ‘I feel great!’”
Beyond physical needs, the grant supports trauma-informed care training for staff. This specialized approach assists the team in how to respond with understanding, patience, and compassion, guiding families through difficult transitions while supporting the well-being of the staff themselves.
“Trauma-informed care is essential,” Marcella explains. “It helps us validate, empower, and motivate families toward stability during a period of loss. This work elevates both the lives of the families we serve and the care we provide as staff.”
With the support of WellSpan Health and the Homeward Bound grant, Bell Family Shelter continues to help families build a more independent and brighter future where families thrive.