Our Services
At Anchor Lancaster, we offer vital services to individuals facing homelessness and hardship. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where guests can find the resources and care they need to rebuild their lives.
Free Breakfast
Every weekday, including holidays, Anchor Lancaster’s team of dedicated volunteers serves a nutritious, hot breakfast to all who are hungry. Our menu features juice, milk, hot coffee/tea, fruit, oatmeal, cereal, and hot entrees like egg casseroles, pancakes, breakfast tacos, French toast, sausage, potatoes, and more! Guests enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere where they can relax, share a meal, and connect with others.
At Anchor Lancaster, building relationships and sharing good food is at the heart of what we do!
Breakfast is served from 8:30-9:45 AM each weekday.
For many of our guests experiencing homelessness, a basic shower is often out of reach. We offer showers five days a week starting at 6:00 AM, providing a much-needed opportunity for guests to clean up and regain their dignity.
Each guest receives a shower kit containing soap, shampoo, deodorant, Q-tips, toothbrush and toothpaste, and socks. When available and if needed, we also provide underwear, bras, and t-shirts.
Through our Amazon Wish List, donors can directly contribute to this essential service by purchasing shower supplies or clothing. Every item donated has a meaningful impact on someone’s day-to-day life. Check out our Wish List here!
A hot shower and clean clothing are not only essential for physical health but also help boost confidence and improve self-image. Anchor Lancaster remains committed to providing this vital service to our guests.
Showers are available each weekday, starting at 6:00 AM until 8:00 AM and again from 10:45 AM until the last person in line is finished.
Free Showers
Our Day Center provides a safe, welcoming space for individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship, offering essential services and a sense of community. Guests can escape harsh weather, enjoy a warm or cold beverage, charge their phones, and access restrooms. The Day Center also connects guests with vital resources, including medical support from visiting nurses and assistance from our caseworker. Beyond the practical services, the Day Center fosters a sense of dignity, hope, and belonging, giving our guests a space to relax, build relationships, and take steps toward stability.
Our Day Center (at 308 E King St.) is open from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM each weekday.
Day Center
Laundry Services
At Anchor Lancaster, our laundry services give guests the opportunity to wash their own clothes, helping them maintain hygiene and dignity. We offer free laundry services five days a week, providing a safe and welcoming space for guests to clean their clothing. This essential service helps improve their physical well-being and boosts their confidence, offering a small but significant step toward rebuilding their lives and feeling more comfortable as they work to regain stability.
Guests can check in with a guest service team member between 6:00-9:45 AM to have their laundry started.
At Anchor Lancaster, case management is a personalized, hands-on service designed to support guests in navigating the complex challenges they face. Our dedicated caseworker, Connor, works one-on-one with each guest to assess their unique needs, develop individualized plans, and connect them to vital resources such as housing assistance, medical care, employment support, and more.
Whether it’s helping someone find a job, secure temporary shelter, or access long-term healthcare, our goal is to provide guidance and practical support every step of the way. Case management at Anchor Lancaster is about building relationships, offering resources, and empowering individuals to take the necessary steps toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Guests can connect with a caseworker at our Day Center (308 E King St.) between 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM each weekday.
Case Management
At Anchor Lancaster, guests have access to essential medical support through a variety of resources. We partner with local healthcare providers, including UPMC, Penn State Health and Penn Medicine, to offer basic medical care, referrals for specialized treatment, and free vaccinations.
Additionally, the UPMC Women’s Medical Van visits once a month (every 3rd Tuesday), offering services like HPV vaccines, pap smears, and pregnancy tests. These medical services ensure that our guests receive the care they need to maintain their health while working toward stability and a better future.