Out of the Cold Centre County
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About Out of the Cold

Out of the Cold: Centre County is a low-barrier shelter open from 8 am to 8 pm every day and our night shelter is open from 8 pm to 8 am every night to registered guests. During the 2022-2023 season, 17 congregations helped to provide overnight shelter for 175 guests.

While churches used to host out guests by opening the doors of their buildings to us, they now "host" by taking 2 weeks at a time to say that their congregation will provide meals and other necessities! We are so thankful for the community that supports our guests and staff.

Out of the Cold: Centre County is a grassroots effort and is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

If you would like to help as a volunteer or through other means of support, please send us an e-mail at:
[email protected]
​

​Out Of The Cold Board of Directors

​Oversight for Out Of The Cold is provided by the Board of Directors. Each participating Congregation has one voting member on the Board. We also have several commitees that community members can join. There are financial, fundraising/events, and marketing committees. If you are interested in serving on this committees, please reach out to Board Chair Kendra Gettig at [email protected].

Participating Congregations

Calvary Church, Boalsburg
Faith United Church of Christ, State College
Friends Meeting House, State College
Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Port Matilda
​Grace Lutheran Church, State College
Salvation Baptist Church
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, State College
St. John's United Church of Christ, Boalsburg
St. Paul's United Methodist Church, State College
State College Presbyterian Church, State College
Unity Church of Jesus Christ, State College
University Baptist and Brethren, State College
University Mennonite Church, State College
Trinity Lutheran Church
State College Alliance Church
Fairbrook United Methodist Church
State College E-Free Church

Partner Agencies

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Centre Helps
Centre Safe
Housing Transitions, Inc.
Interfaith Human Services
MidPenn Legal Services
State College Food Bank
Youth Service Bureau


What We Believe

Vision
Out of the Cold will care for the unsheltered in Centre County, working toward a day when homelessness is a rare, brief, and one time event.

Our Values

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Mission
Out of the Cold is a community supported organization that answers the call to serve those experiencing homelessness in our community by providing shelter, food, and support services during the transition to permanent housing.
Prioritize Relationships
Believing that transformation occurs within relationships, we will foster and grow a welcoming community in which guests and volunteers respect one another, serve with integrity, and extend grace and love unconditionally, intentionally building deep and lasting relationships, thus laying a firm foundation for change.
Foster Community
Agreeing that we are strong together, we will seek to foster and grow community by recognizing the intrinsic value of each of our guests, honestly embracing diversity and welcoming all races, classes, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and belief systems. Acknowledging that homelessness impacts the entire Centre Region, and that effective collaboration benefits everyone, we will intentionally build relationships with all those in our community.
Individualize Care
Recognizing the complex factors that lead to homelessness, we will help each guest identify and set realistic and achievable goals for a safe, sustainable and bright future by addressing financial, relational, spiritual, physical and mental health challenges as desired. We will strive to recognize each other’s differences and capabilities and will make adaptations to meet individual needs, partnering with other community agencies and resources as appropriate. We will not shy away from difficult cases that require additional measures of grace, understanding, perseverance or resources.
Create a Culture of Safety
Desiring to keep all guests, staff, and volunteers safe, we will make safety a priority. We will regularly review guidelines and procedures and will provide training opportunities for all staff and volunteers.

Help a Neighbor in Need

Donate your time, goods, or dollars to support the work of Out of the Cold Centre County.
donate now

318 S. Atherton St.
​State College, PA 16801
​
814-852-8864

The day shelter and resource center is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is located at 318 South Atherton Street in State College, PA.

​Our night shelter operates from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. 

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Out of the Cold Centre County

 OOTC is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was established in February 2011 by the Community Safety Net (CSN), which serves residents of Centre County, Pennsylvania. ​

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  • Home
  • About Us
  • If I Need Shelter...
    • Program Guidelines
    • House Rules and Safety Code
  • Get Involved
  • Contact
  • Our Team