The Hanover Area Council of Churches first opened a Cold-Weather Shelter as an emergency shelter – only on nights when temperatures were freezing or below in
November 2001. The next winter, the council opened the shelter for the full winter season from November 1 through March 31. As the need for temporary shelter grew in the area, the council could not allow people to stay all day due to lack of space amongst all of the programs. In 2005 the building at 138 Carlisle Street was purchased, and the council knew just what to do with it.
The Changing Lives Shelter was officially opened on June 21st, 2007. CLS is now a year-round facility providing for the temporary housing needs of single adults and families in distressed or emergency situations. The building offers capacity for 2 families of up to 5 people, 12 women’s beds, and 12 men’s beds for a total of 34 total individuals.
With paid shelter support staff, a case manager, and a shelter coordinator, the Changing Lives Shelter team takes pride in offering an environment that is comfortable, secure, and successful for the clients who are approved for stay. The building is equipped with a full kitchen, dining room, living room, laundry rooms for both floors, restrooms on both floors, and a playroom for families with young children.
During their stay, clients are offered various services that include life skills, case management, employment assistance, and other necessities deemed appropriate for their situation. The primary goal at Changing Lives is to assist clients through a productive path to a successful, independent lifestyle that includes financial stability, housing, and employment.
Staff at the Changing Lives Shelter undergo annual training that equips them to work with clients experiencing mental health, drug and/or alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and
unfortunate circumstances. We take pride in training our staff to provide kind, supportive, and meaningful care to each client.
