New Bethany Ministries is pleased to announce it has received a $20,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support NBM’s Housing Advocacy program by funding half the salary of one housing advocate.

NBM’s Housing Advocacy Program was initially announced last year. The program allows housing advocates to work collaboratively with faculty at local schools to support families and continue to provide rental and housing assistance services to low-income families in need.

NBM provides on-site housing advocates at six Bethlehem Area School District schools: Broughal MS, and Donegan, Fountain Hill, Marvine, Thomas Jefferson and Lincoln elementary schools. Currently, each housing advocate spends 20 hours a week providing counseling, rent assistance, housing placement, and establishing relationships at each school; about 40 families received housing assistance in the program’s first year.

“Our Housing Advocacy Program showcases New Bethany’s mission perfectly, allowing us to help families work towards, achieve, and maintain self-sufficiency,” says Chris Cassidy, director of development and planning at NBM. “New Bethany is the only nonprofit in the Lehigh Valley providing on-site housing advocates in schools, so we are extremely grateful to receive more funding from the PPL Foundation to expand this program’s success and support more of those in need in the region.”

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process.

This year, the PPL Foundation received more than 100 applications during this highly competitive grant cycle. NBM was one of the 17 organizations to be selected for a grant.

“We are continuously inspired by the caring, commitment and creativity of the many nonprofit organizations such as New Bethany Ministries who make a lasting difference in our communities, and this year’s grant recipients are no exception. We’re proud to support their efforts,” said Ryan Hill, PPL Foundation president.

To learn more about New Bethany Ministries, visit newbethanyministries.org