Housing Transitions will commemorate 40 years of serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Centre County with a celebration on Wednesday.
The reception, which is open to the public, will start at 5:30 p.m. at University Wine Company, 540 Misty Hill Drive, State College. It will include free pizza and salad from Flo Bros. Fire Smoked Pizza, cake and music by Hops & Vines.
A brief program and recognition will take place at 6 p.m.
Established in 1984, the State College-based nonprofit organization was incorporated by a group of community business owners, members of faith-based organizations and local government officials in response to a growing number of unsheltered homeless individuals in the area.
“The original board members hoped the organization would be temporary, but new households experience homelessness every day,” Executive Director Morgan Wasikonis said in a statement. “We strive to end their homelessness and housing insecurity as quickly and permanently as possible.”
Starting out as Temporary Housing Incorporated, it originally provided shelter in two three-bedroom apartments. In 1988, the organization moved to 217 E. Nittany Ave., which became home to the Centre House shelter.
The location also houses offices for staff who provide a range of services to help clients find long-term housing solutions. Centre House, which is staffed 24 hours a day, provides case management and life skills training to address the root causes of homelessness.
Attendees of the 40th anniversary reception will hear about all the services offered by Housing Transitions from staff and clients.
