About Us
Everyone belongs in this neighborhood, even those without walls.
What We Do
Friends & Neighbors of Pennsylvania builds relationships with people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in York County. We run the only comprehensive street outreach program in the county and operate The Beacon, a day resource center in downtown York.
Together, these two programs create a single path: relationships built on the street lead to engagement at The Beacon, and engagement at The Beacon leads to stable housing.
How We Work
Not quick fixes. Not one-time handoffs. Relationships that take months, sometimes years, because trust is the bridge to housing.
Our advocates walk the same streets, check on the same people, and come back the next day, even when someone says no today. That consistency is the work.
We can’t do it alone, and we don’t try to. We work alongside partner agencies, faith communities, businesses, and neighbors like YOU because no single organization solves housing insecurity by itself.
How We Show Up
Friends & Neighbors of Pennsylvania connects with people experiencing homelessness through two closely connected programs: Coordinated Street Outreach and The Beacon.
Street Outreach meets people where they are, building relationships with neighbors living outside or in unstable situations across York County.
Those relationships often lead to The Beacon, our downtown day resource center, where individuals can access support, services, and guidance toward stable housing.
Together, these programs create a path forward built on trust, consistency, and connection.
Meet The Team
Our advocates work on the front lines every day, building trust and helping neighbors navigate the difficult barriers of homelessness.
Crystal has worked extensively in street outreach, case management, and shelter coordination, and has trained countless community members and professionals on issues of safety, trauma, and advocacy. For over five years, she chaired the York County Human Trafficking Task Force, fostering powerful partnerships among law enforcement, service providers, and the community.
A 2019 graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy in Baltimore and recipient of the 2022 Gateway to Equity Award, Crystal brings a deep understanding of trauma and an unwavering commitment to dignity and equity.
Her passion for intersectional advocacy drew her to Friends & Neighbors:
“The challenges faced by people without housing often mirror those experienced by survivors of violence, from trauma and substance use to systemic barriers and stigma. F&N’s work is about meeting people where they are, with compassion and without judgment. I’m honored to be part of that mission.”
A 2019 graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy in Baltimore and recipient of the 2022 Gateway to Equity Award, Crystal brings a deep understanding of trauma and an unwavering commitment to dignity and equity.
Her passion for intersectional advocacy drew her to Friends & Neighbors:</>
“The challenges faced by people without housing often mirror those experienced by survivors of violence, from trauma and substance use to systemic barriers and stigma. F&N’s work is about meeting people where they are, with compassion and without judgment. I’m honored to be part of that mission.”
Now Hiring:
Part-Time Beacon Case Manager
Under the general supervision of the Executive Director, the Beacon Outreach- Intensive Case Manager performs comprehensive assessments of clients’ needs and resources to plan and implement appropriate care for persons experiencing homelessness and housing instability. If you or someone you know is a great fit please apply!
Board of Directors
Our board brings experience from across the community, helping guide our work and strengthen our impact.
Pastor Joel Folkemer serves Union Evangelical Lutheran Church with a special focus of working with the people of Union, community leaders, organizations, and its neighbors to grow in our faith, reach new people, and love our neighbors as ourselves.
Pastor Folkemer is a graduate of Shippensburg University where he received a Bachelors of Arts in Human Communication Studies. A 2011 graduate of The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pastor Folkemer served for three years, prior to his call to Union Lutheran Church, as the pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA.
Pastor Folkemer and his wife, Ashlee, have two children. He enjoys helping to coach his son’s baseball and basketball teams, as well as supporting his daughter in her Irish Step Dancing competitions and performances.
Although from Gettysburg, PA, he has many family connections with York. Many of Pastor Folkemer’s relatives live in York County, his father grew up in York and his grandfather, the Rev. Gordon Folkemer, served as pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church for 40 years.
Sarah Cahill is a chef, entrepreneur, and active community leader based in downtown York, Pennsylvania.
She is a graduate of New College of Florida and the French Culinary Institute in New York City, and a former Peace Corps volunteer.
Throughout her career, Sarah has been dedicated to building connections through food and fostering vibrant, inclusive communities. After leading the kitchen at Snowbird Mountain Lodge in North Carolina, she brought her passion for seasonal, locally inspired cuisine to York.
Today, Sarah is the chef and owner of Gather 256, a community-focused bistro in downtown York. She is deeply engaged in local economic and community development, serving in leadership roles with the York County Village Association, Downtown Inc., the WeCo Micro District, White Rose Barbell Club, and the York City Independent Restaurant Association. Sarah lives in downtown York with her husband, daughter, and two dogs. She is passionate about travel, sustainability, and creating spaces where people feel connected, valued, and inspired.
Andy is an attorney in Barley Snyder’s Immigration and Employment practice groups with over a decade of experience.
He concentrates his practice on immigration law, representing businesses and families seeking immigration benefits as well as defending individuals placed in removal proceedings.
Before joining Barley Snyder, Andy worked at a Lancaster law firm focused exclusively on the practice of immigration law.
Prior to that, he was a staff attorney for the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center (PIRC). Andy continues to be involved with PIRC, serving as a volunteer lawyer.
Wanda volunteers her knowledge and talents as a person with lived experience of homelessness.
Marc brings 6 years of experience in addressing homelessness and housing stability in York, previously serving as Chair of the York County Coalition on Homelessness.
He holds a Master’s of Community Development, specialized in housing and nonprofit management.
Marc currently oversees Rapid Rehousing services with YWCA Hanover Safe Home.
He enjoys reading, playing music, and discovering new coffee shops in the area.
Sue and her husband, Kirby, moved to York City in 1976. Sue retired in 2010 after teaching 38 years in the Central York School District.
She continues to support city businesses and organizations and proudly supports the Friends & Neighbors Outreach Team.
Becky has worked in the York County community for over 24 years and has experience in both the child welfare and health care systems.
For the last 7 years, she has served as the Program Manager for Caring Together at Family First Health. Caring Together provides medical and social service care for people living with HIV/AIDS in York and Adams counties. She is passionate about helping others; providing access to services and resources and also fostering community relationships.
She is honored with the opportunity to serve as a board member with Friends & Neighbors of Pennsylvania and looks forward to not only contributing her skills and experience but also learning from others to build a better community for those experiencing homelessness.
In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, biking and taking walks. She also serves as an executive board member for the Northeastern Baseball Booster Club.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I see a person in York County I think might be unsheltered?
You can call the Coordinated Street Outreach Hotline at 717-699-8445 to notify our staff. Please provide a description of what you saw (the situation) and where you saw the person or people. F&N will travel anywhere in York County to do outreach on neighbors living in unsheltered conditions.
Sometimes I see people holding signs asking for help. Should I give them money?
Giving money directly to someone on the street is a personal choice, and it comes from a good place. But the reality is that many of our neighbors are navigating addiction, mental health challenges, or crisis situations that make it hard to use cash for what they need most. When you give to an organization like Friends & Neighbors, your dollars go further — funding street outreach, resource connections, and the kind of long-term relationship-building that actually leads to stable housing.
Want to make your generosity go further? Donate to Friends & Neighbors today.
My church/organization wants to help our unsheltered neighbors. How can we get involved?
Start by learning what’s already happening in your community. Connect with local shelters, food banks, and nonprofits like Friends & Neighbors to understand what services exist, where the gaps are, and how your congregation can plug in without duplicating efforts.
One of the best ways to get involved right now is to host a Stuff the Tent collection drive at your church or workplace. Rally your congregation or co-workers to collect cash donations, gift cards, and small survival essentials like socks, hygiene items, and snacks that our street outreach team delivers directly to neighbors living unsheltered across York County.
We’ll even provide a tutorial and tiny tent to use to make it more impactful and fun. It’s simple to organize, meaningful for your members, and makes an immediate difference.
Ready to get your church involved? Visit our Get Involved page to learn more.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out and we’ll help connect you to the right support.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out and we’ll help connect you to the right support.
