Anchor Lancaster

At Anchor Lancaster, we’re more than just a nonprofit — we’re a caring community dedicated to helping our homeless neighbors in the city get back on their feet. Voted #1 Non-Profit in Lancaster County for 4 years in a row, we strive to be a good neighbor. Every weekday morning, we open our doors to provide free breakfast, showers, laundry services, and case management to those facing homelessness or hardship. With kindness and compassion, we offer a place of dignity and comfort, helping people feel valued and supported.

Our kitchen is buzzing Monday through Friday as volunteers prepare a delicious, hot breakfast for our hungry neighbors.  A sample of the items we serve include pancakes, eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, and chicken pie, along with cereal, juice, and coffee each weekday morning.

Our case manager plays a crucial role in supporting individuals and their unique challenges. He connects clients with essential resources, such as food assistance, mental health services, medical support, and utility assistance. By building strong relationships and offering compassionate support, our case manager empowers our guests to improve their circumstances and work toward a brighter future. 

The Day Center at Anchor Lancaster is a welcoming space that provides essential resources and compassionate support. Open every weekday from 10 AM to 4 PM, the center offers a safe place to access bathrooms, snacks, social services, and a place to sit and rest. Guest service staff members are on hand to connect guests with additional resources, aiming to foster hope, dignity, and a sense of community. 

Each week, a team of medical professionals attends our breakfast program to provide health services and support our guests, many of whom face barriers to accessing healthcare. This collaboration not only enhances the well-being of our guests, but it also fosters a sense of community, ensuring our guests feel safe and supported.    

At Anchor Lancaster, we are passionate about we do, but we can’t do it without you. Your generous donations make it possible for us to continue serving those who need it most. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our community. Please consider donating today!

Fast Facts:

We support 140-160 guests each DAY.

We provide 150 showers each WEEK.

We served 35,000 meals last YEAR.

With your help, we can continue to support the needs of our neighbors and provide services to the homeless population in our community. Your gift gives hope to those who need it most. 

Thank you for supporting the work of Anchor Lancaster!

 

Who We Are

Anchor Lancaster provides no-cost meals to more than 160 people per day. The program is open every Monday through Friday, 52 weeks per year and exists to serve Lancaster’s low-income, unsheltered, and socially-excluded populations. Breakfast is served from 8:30-9:45 a.m. each day with a regular menu offering of eggs, hot entrée, juice, milk, cereal, toast, a hot beverage, and fruit.

Showers are also offered to our neighbors who live on the streets of our city.

Previously located at Saint James Episcopal Church, the program transitioned to First United Methodist in August of 2016. It became a 501 (c) 3 in August of 2017.

We serve over 40,000 meals each year.