I wanted to update you on what we are doing at Bethlehem to help our residents and clients in these unprecedented times. Like you, our team is facing challenges at this time and are having to react to conditions that are rapidly changing. We are taking precautions for the safety and well‑being of our employees while maintaining capabilities to provide stable housing and support services for the most vulnerable in our community.

Over the past year, many of you have been watching the construction of our new affordable housing building at 111 Church Street and anticipating its completion. The construction company that has been overseeing this project has gone to extraordinary measures to continue to keep the construction moving forward while ensuring the health and safety of the workers on-site.  Over the past month they have adapted to overcome the many challenges that have presented since the onset of COVID-19 in our community.  They have increased the sanitation of the work environment and have modified the way the trades are working on the site to maintain physical distancing. We are grateful to have such a dedicated team working on this project that is so important to many people in our community. 

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that we will be postponing our May 1st occupancy date until further notice.  I can assure you that this project is deemed an essential service in the community and that we are only a few weeks away from final completion.  All involved in the project are dedicated to the safe occupancy of the tenants who will live there.

Our housing services team is going above and beyond to support the many individuals and families that are scheduled to move into our building in the near future.  They are working with current landlords and partner agencies to ensure that these families remain safely housed until we are ready for occupancy. In these difficult times there is so much that is beyond our control that stand in the way of reaching our goal. We would like to thank the construction team, all workers who are trying so hard, the partner agencies and new tenants for their patience and understanding.

We appreciate your concern for these families and can assure you that we are doing everything we can to support them through this transition.  We are grateful for your inquiries and interest and thank you for your ongoing extra support to keep the work of Bethlehem going strong through this challenging situation. We will get through this together.  On behalf of the people and community we serve, thank you for doing your part by staying healthy and safe at home.

Sincerely, 

Lori Beech

Executive Director

Click Here to read about how we are Supporting our Residents and Clients during COVID-19.