A nonprofit organization will launch a new transitional housing program.

Swatara Township-based The LHM Hospice & Social Services Foundation will launch the Horizons transitional housing program, which will provide individualized services designed to help participants overcome barriers to housing security.

The nonprofit has announced that Luke Drayer, chairman of the LHM Foundation Board of Directors, has an agreement to purchase a 42,000-square-foot nursing home at 3251 Butler St. in Susquehanna Township that will include 58 housing units for single adults and families, a commercial kitchen and dining room, employment and education readiness spaces and several gathering spaces.

“At the LHM Foundation we celebrate the fact that every human being has a light within them. Unfortunately, life’s hardships and losses can make it harder to see. The LHM Foundation’s Horizons program was created with a vision to walk alongside those whose light has been dimmed by the threat of homelessness, said Amy Foerster, CEO of the LHM Foundation in a press release. “There is a temporary housing shortage in our communities, so many in need lack support programs to help them overcome barriers to stable housing. Our Horizons program will provide an important resource to individuals and families in south-central Pa. who are facing homelessness and housing insecurity.”

The program will address the immediate needs of participants and provide necessary skills towards the goal of long-term stability. Participants in the Horizons program will be assigned a Success Advocate to help them set individualized goals and create a path toward achieving them. They will engage in programming on topics tailored to their needs, such as financial literacy and money management, educational assistance, job coaching, and renter/homeowner rights and responsibilities.

“We are blessed by the generosity of Luke and his wife Kelly to donate the use of the facility to the LHM Foundation so that Horizons participants can live in a safe and supportive environment throughout the program,” said Foerster.

Officials hope to open the facility by October 2025 if they can raise enough money by then. LHM Foundation launches its $10 million Expanding Horizons fundraising campaign. A donor will match dollar-for-dollar the first $3 million received through the campaign. Donations can be made at www.lhm-foundation.org/donate.

The LHM Hospice & Social Services Foundation also provides hospice services through LHM Hospice. In addition, through its Beam Teams program, the LHM Foundation deploys volunteers in communities to help other charities carry out their missions.