On any given night, more than 12,000 Pennsylvanians are homeless. In the Poconos—where affordable housing is scarce and rents have surged since the pandemic—that crisis plays out quietly in tent encampments along the Lehigh River, in cars parked behind shopping centers, and in the faces of people lining up at church doors when temperatures drop.

The numbers tell the story: HUD’s most recent Point-in-Time Count found 2,262 people experiencing homelessness across the 33-county Eastern Pennsylvania region that includes Monroe, Pike, Wayne, and Carbon counties. Nationally, homelessness hit a record 770,000 in 2024—an 18% jump from the year before. Pennsylvania alone is short more than 265,000 affordable housing units. In the Poconos, that pressure collides with a lack of shelter infrastructure, leaving many with few options.

Monroe County

Monroe County is the population center of the Poconos and home to the region’s most developed—though still limited—network of homeless services.

Wesleyan Inn Cold Weather Shelter (Stroudsburg)

This is the only walk-in overnight shelter in Monroe County. Operated by Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church, it runs from November 1 through March 31, opening at 7 p.m. and closing at 6 a.m. Phone: 570-872-0126.

The shelter provides 42 beds, hot meals, showers, and laundry facilities. During severe weather, hours may be extended. Manager Peter Mankin told reporters this season that the shelter is seeing record demand, with nightly occupancy averaging around 45 people—up from 30 last year. “We don’t turn anyone away,” he said.

Salvation Army Emergency Shelter
The Salvation Army in Stroudsburg provides emergency shelter for individuals and families for up to 30 days, along with case management to help residents find permanent housing. They coordinate closely with other local providers. Phone: 570-421-3050

Family Promise of Monroe County
A network-based program that provides shelter through local congregations, along with case management and transitional support for families with children. About 88% of families served secure housing within nine weeks.
Phone: 570-420-8589

Pocono Area Transitional Housing (PATH House)
Transitional housing for homeless families with children. The program is free and focuses on building independence.
Phone: 570-476-1828
Website: pathhouse.org

Street2Feet Outreach Center
A daytime resource center in Stroudsburg where individuals experiencing homelessness can access services during the hours when the overnight shelter is closed.

Women’s Resources of Monroe County (Safe Monroe)
Emergency shelter and services for victims of domestic violence.
24-Hour Hotline: 570-421-4200

Shepherd’s Maternity House
Shelter for first-time unwed pregnant women 18 and older.
Phone: 570-476-1428

For immediate assistance: Call 211 or 570-517-3954 (PoconoInfo Helpline through Pocono Mountains United Way)

Carbon County

Carbon County has made strides in recent years, though resources remain limited.

Peaceful Knights Emergency Shelter
215 North First Street, Lehighton
This is an emergency shelter open 365 nights a year—one of the few year-round options in the region. It provides beds, meals, showers, and a safe overnight environment for adults. Hours are 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. The organization also operates transitional living programs for men and women who qualify. Because of limited capacity, the shelter prioritizes Carbon County residents.
Phone: 610-393-6481
Website: peacefulknights.org

Family Promise of Carbon County
Provides shelter and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness.
Phone: 610-379-4757

Carbon County Action Committee for Human Services (CCACHS)
Offers emergency housing assistance, rental assistance, case management, and referrals for income-eligible residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
267 South 2nd Street, Lehighton
Phone: 610-377-6400
Website: ccachs.com

Carbon County Housing Authority
Administers housing assistance programs for low-income residents.
Phone: 610-377-9375

Note: Carbon County officials have been addressing a “Tent City” encampment along the Lehigh River near Lehighton. A task force was formed in early 2024 to coordinate services and outreach.

Pike County

Pike County has no general homeless shelters within its borders.

Pike County Hands of Hope, which previously operated a help line and referral services for the homeless, ceased operations in March 2024. Individuals seeking assistance are now directed to call 211 for assessment and referral to available resources.

Pike County Human Services coordinates homeless assistance and prevention programs, including emergency housing assistance and referrals. Director Robert Ruiz has noted that rising rents—especially since the pandemic—have significantly increased housing instability.

For emergency shelter, Pike County residents are typically referred to facilities in neighboring communities including Stroudsburg (Monroe County), Port Jervis (New York), Scranton, or Carbondale.

Safe Haven of Pike County provides emergency shelter for victims of domestic abuse.

For help: Call 211 or contact Pike County Human Services

Wayne County

Like Pike County, Wayne County has no general homeless shelters.

The Wayne County Housing Authority coordinates homeless assistance and prevention programs. In 2017, the county identified over 65 individuals—including children—as homeless and assisted them in obtaining permanent housing.

Emergency shelter options typically require referral to neighboring communities such as Carbondale, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, or Stroudsburg.

Wayne County Victim’s Intervention Program in Honesdale operates a shelter for victims of domestic violence.

Catholic Social Services in the county can occasionally accommodate one family at a time.

For help: Call 211 or 855-567-5341

What the Law Says: Can Cities Enforce Camping Bans?

In June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a major ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson that changed the legal landscape for homeless individuals sleeping outside.

The decision overturned a previous Ninth Circuit ruling (Martin v. Boise) that had prohibited cities from enforcing anti-camping ordinances against homeless individuals when shelter beds were unavailable. Under that earlier rule, criminalizing public sleeping was considered cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment if there was no alternative shelter.

The Supreme Court disagreed. In a 6-3 decision, the Court held that cities can enforce public camping bans—including fines and jail time—even when shelters are full. The Court reasoned that such ordinances regulate conduct, not status, and that commonly used penalties like fines are neither cruel nor unusual.

What this means for Pennsylvania:

Currently, there is no statewide law requiring municipalities to suspend enforcement of camping bans when shelters are at capacity. The Grants Pass decision gives local governments broad discretion to enforce anti-camping ordinances.

However, Pennsylvania lawmakers have introduced “Shelter First” legislation—Senate Bill 1089 and House Bill 2028—that would require municipalities to provide adequate indoor shelter options before enforcing outdoor sleeping bans. The bills remain pending.

In the meantime, enforcement varies by municipality. Some communities, like those addressing Carbon County’s Tent City encampment, have taken measured approaches—building trust with homeless populations rather than immediate sweeps. Others may choose stricter enforcement.

How to Get Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or housing instability in the Poconos:

Call 211 — Pennsylvania’s coordinated entry system connects individuals with local resources, shelter availability, and case management.

Monroe County: PoconoInfo Helpline — 570-517-3954
Carbon County: CCACHS — 610-377-6400
Pike County: Pike County Human Services — Call 211
Wayne County: Wayne County Housing Authority — 855-567-5341