Donna L. Mengel is the founder and director of the Lamb Foundation (Credit: Donna L. Mengel)
When Donna L. Mengel, founder and director of Lamb Foundation in North Wales, was a student at Temple University in the 1980s, it hurt her heart to see so many homeless people on the streets, so she decided she had to try to help.
What started as her senior year project at Temple has now grown into a private, nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing and support services to senior citizens and adults with mental, physical, and developmental disabilities who would otherwise be homeless. Currently Lamb Foundation provides housing for 270 residents.
Mengel spoke to Access Network about the mission and services of Lamb Foundation and how community members can get involved.
“I began the foundation in 1987 while a student at Temple University. It started with a desire to house senior homeless women that I would see on the streets around campus,” she said.
Now the Lamb Foundation not only provides affordable housing, but also support services which can include transportation, advocacy for long-range planning and legal services, medication management, meal preparation, assistance with paperwork, as well as home and property maintenance.
The foundation also runs a family thrift store, an e-bay store and a community food pantry. These along with program fees paid by residents on an agreed ability-to-pay basis help fund the work the foundation does. It does not rely on government funding, so donations are always appreciated
Mengel explained that Sweet Repeats family thrift store is 36 years old, and still growing and thriving. Sweet Repeats sells gently used quality clothing for the entire family at affordable prices as well as furniture, houseware, electronics, books and home décor. It also provides Lamb residents with work and skill-building opportunities.
Sweet E Repeats is the foundation’s e-bay store where you can purchase eclectic, unique items donated to the thrift store.
The Cornucopia Cupboard provides low-cost nutritious food for qualifying Lamb residents as well as those in need in the community.
Through its emergency housing program, the foundation also provides housing on a day-to-day basis for individuals and families in emergency situations.
In addition, through its Shepherding Program, the Lamb Foundation helps other individuals start their own housing programs based on its model.
Mengel said they are always grateful for donations. People looking to help can donate to the thrift shop or food bank or make a financial donation.
On the biggest challenges the foundation faces carrying out its mission, Mengel said that people are not always sensitive to special needs communities.
For more information about the Lamb Foundation, call (215) 699-5600 or email [email protected].
