Bucks Homeless Shelter Capacity Doubling

LANGHORNE, PA —The Family Service Association of Bucks County is getting a $2.9 million grant for the construction of a new emergency homeless shelter building adjacent to their current shelter,

U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced that he has secured the Community Project Funding (CPF) grant.

Family Service Association of Bucks County will also use the funding to renovate its existing shelter.

One story of the shelter expansion will be dedicated to programming, including on-site mental health treatment, substance use treatment, Housing-First case management, nursing, and wellness.

The project will allow FSCBC to double its shelter capacity, thereby greatly reducing waitlist barriers, officials said.

“Family Service is honored and grateful to have been awarded the CPF grant supporting an expansion of our emergency homeless shelter," said Julie Dees, chief executive of the Family Service Association of Bucks County.

Dees said that Bucks County's homelessness crisis is not often publicized, but it exists and continues to worsen.

She said the shelter provides temporary housing for nearly 400 people in need each year, the majority of whom are families and nearly half of whom are children. She said there is a waiting list for admission.

"This funding will support our plan to double capacity at the Shelter, create privacy for our families with children, and increase access to community resources and services that are intended to make homelessness rare and brief. Essentially, we ultimately envision a complete campus that will combat homelessness at every level,” Dees said.

The funding, introduced by Fitzpatrick as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act, is a key component of the Community Project Funding program—an initiative that enables Members of Congress to direct federal resources toward projects and programs within their districts that address the most critical needs of the communities they serve.

Through the Community Project Funding Request process for the 118th Congress, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Fitzpatrick has secured more than $27.5 million in funding for 14 transformative community projects that will directly benefit his constituents.

Additionally, Fitzpatrick secured over $19 million in CPF Funding for 13 projects FY23 and over $6.6 million in CPF funding for 10 projects in FY22.

“As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, I am actively working to find solutions for two of the most pressing issues in our community and across the nation—mental health and addiction—two issues both deeply intertwined with homelessness. This $2.9 million funding for the Family Service Association of Bucks County is a critical step forward in that effort. By expanding their shelter and enhancing life-changing services, we are ensuring that every individual struggling in our community has access to the comprehensive care, support, and resources they need to begin rebuilding their lives and achieve lasting stability with dignity and support. I am grateful for the dedication of FSABC and look forward to continuing to work alongside them in our shared mission to better our community,” Fitzpatrick said.

About Family Service Association of Bucks County

Since 1953, the Family Service Association of Bucks County has worked to improve the lives of individuals and families in our community, providing essential services to those in need and offering comprehensive programs in areas including mental health, substance abuse, housing, and family support.

Serving about 50,000 residents annually, the organization is committed to fostering resilience, promoting well-being, and empowering people to overcome challenges and build brighter futures.

With a deep-rooted presence in Bucks County, FSABC continues to be a pillar of support, delivering compassionate care and effective solutions to help individuals and families thrive.