Arts and entertainment calendar, week of July 16, 2014

LOCAL LIBRARY NEWS

First Posted: 7/16/2014 The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, will preside at the dedication and blessing of St. Francis Commons on Thursday, July 17, at 3 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
This new facility of Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton provides affordable transitional housing, meals and other supportive services for 30 homeless veterans. It is located adjacent to St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Avenue in Scranton.
St. Francis Commons was designed to provide much-needed assistance and programs to men and women who have served our country, but have since encountered various challenges and now need our help.
According to an independent study by Real Property Research Group, a national real estate market research firm: &#8220;There is a clear and strong need to provide modern, nurturing residential facilities for veterans who have fallen on hard times&#8230;the Veterans Administration has documented a large number of needy veterans in this region who are currently underserved &#8230; to break the cycle of unemployment and lack of affordable housing.&#8221;
St. Francis Commons consists of 30 rental units. Eight of the units are fully accessible, including one unit equipped for the audio-visually impaired. The accessible units have rents affordable to households. All residents are selected through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Common areas on each floor include a full-size kitchen, dining and lounge areas, plus a community room/visitor lounge. The first floor area includes a client choice food pantry and a free clothing area. There is also office space and food storage for St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen.

Bishop Bambera to preside over new veterans’ home