Volunteer Center of Lehigh Valley

The Lazarus House is a program that offers a place to live for individuals who are recently released from jail. When someone is eligible for parole, they must present their parole agent with a home plan to be approved. Due to a lack of income and support, they may languish in prison until they find an acceptable housing option. Lazarus House offers them the housing support that they need. We are looking for individuals or groups who would be interested in "adopting" a resident for their first 90 days when they are first released from prison. The mentor would meet with them on their "move in" day. The mentor will create a package of immediate needs - like bedding, toiletries, and personal care items. The new resident will need to report to their parole agent within the first day or two. The mentor may assist with bus route information, enrolling in public assistance/ EBT, and registering them at the employment office. Lastly, the mentor should meet with, or have a phone conversation with their client once a week. We believe that with these supports, that we can make a difference and give someone a second chance and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.

The Lazarus House now also assists youth who are homeless or aging out of foster care, adults living with mental illness, and women released from prison.