Lockers for the Homeless, Lancaster

10/17/2026

Sign Up Genius to volunteer to do a quick site check in at the lockers located on The 200 block of North Water Street while we are away for a week, retina surgery and the recovery after. I typically stop 2-3 times a day to check for trash and any problems. On Monday nights we move the trash cans across the street for trash pick up the following morning and then return the trash cans. We have trash bags inside the trailer middle and will provide the combination.

https://m.signupgenius.com/?fbclid=IwVERDUAVA3MxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6DZRq_bNdURHm84SJXhb_u6ofWpeJp7sedKZ0pHtzIFxypCuYMUNASZilOCQ_aem_x_CQ2thLbxwko_uYZLYdaQ #!/showSignUp/508084CAFAE2CA1FD0-66837874-lockers?useFullSite=false

10/09/2026

https://www.wgal.com/article/locker-program-lancaster-city-zoning-challenges-new-location/74066470

Organizers say zoning regulations have become one of the biggest challenges.

10/07/2026

Stay tuned into WGAL Morning News tomorrow morning, Wednesday, October 7, 2026 for a morning update on Lockers for the Homeless, Lancaster.

10/05/2026

We have been renting two storage units to hold lockers waiting to find a new home. I was able to consolidate the usable lockers and materials into one unit, cancel the lease for the second unit and recycle the small vented lockers today. This will save $194.00 per month expense for storage.

The vented lockers were only 12”w x 18”h x18” h each and unfortunately too small for use by the unsheltered and we could not find a suitable use at this time. I was able to find room to keep 8 in the storage unit we are keeping.

10/01/2026

Zoning Hearing Board Decision

We don’t know the exact code the member on the zoning board and City Solicitor ruled against our request for a variance on using the existing vacant parking spaces. The zoning supervisor who must follow the zoning boards recommendations has given us until January 1, 2027 before we must relocate the lockers from its current space. They are sending an official letter with the decision.

Conversations are ongoing with the Zoning Supervisor and they have indicated a willingness to work with us to find suitable locations.

In addition, I submitted an application today to join the Zoning Board as a Civilian Volunteer. If you can’t beat them, join them to understand our city’s zoning laws and be an advocate for change.

09/28/2026

Did not go our way!

More tomorrow but the Lancaster City Zoning after a very lengthy hearing with two residents on N Water Street expressing their opposition to the Lockers for the Homeless and several locals speaking out in support of the program. The application for a temporary variance to place lockers in the three parking spaces was denied as a tied vote. I will be talking with zoning tomorrow to find out how long we have before we must move the lockers.

09/28/2026

Reminder we have a use variance zoning hearing tonight, Monday 9/28/26 @ 4:00 PM in Lancaster City. There are six(6) hearing’s scheduled and we are scheduled 4th. The existing Lockers for the Homeless, Lancaster are located in three parking spaces on a private vacant commercial property with approval of the owner. Come out and support our efforts to provide Lockers for the Homeless thru out our communities.

09/24/2026

Mission Statement

Lockers for the Homeless, Lancaster, restores dignity, security, and stability to our unsheltered neighbors by providing safe, secure storage for their personal belongings.

No one should have to choose between protecting what they own and accessing shelter, employment, medical care, or other essential services. By safeguarding personal possessions, we help individuals move through their day with greater freedom, focus, and peace of mind as they work toward stability.

We partner with agencies serving the homeless community by providing secure lockers at accessible locations. Our goal is to equip participating organizations with locker platforms, adequate solar lighting, camera surveillance, and the knowledge needed to operate and manage each location effectively.

09/23/2026

Come out and show your support!

There will be a zoning hearing on September 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM located at 120 North Duke Street in City Council Chambers concerning the use variance for self-storage for the current temporary location for the locker trailer and platforms located on the 200 block of North Water Street.

The goal of the Lockers for the Homeless initiative is to have small 7-14 locker groupings on covered platforms located thru out Lancaster City and the County and reduce the impact to any one location. The locker platforms are non-permanent structure that can be moved and relocated as needed. Talk with any of the 40 users of the existing lockers for the homeless and discover how important this initiative has impacted their lives and wellbeing.

09/19/2026

We just handed out two more backpacks to our unsheltered, unhoused residents and only have one backpack left in our inventory. Please consider donating a new or lightly used backpack. Do not hesitate to reach out with questions on how you can help or donate.

Richard “Doc” Canard
Lockers for the Homeless, Lancaster
(717) 341-0039