City Light Ministry - The Keep
Reading, PA
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Visit
246 N 9th StReading, PA 19601Gathering: Daily 6:00 am – 8:00 am (Homeless Drop-In Center)
When to go
Worship and gatherings
- Daily6:00 am – 8:00 am · Homeless Drop-In Center
About
Summary
City Light Ministry is a Christian outreach center in Reading, Pennsylvania, founded in 1992. It focuses on serving youth and the homeless with programs like after-school care, summer camps, and a drop-in center. The ministry emphasizes a non-traditional, compassionate approach to community outreach.
Details
City Light Ministry is a Christian, urban outreach center based in Reading, Pennsylvania, founded in 1992 by Joe Sclafani. The ministry is dedicated to serving marginalized communities, particularly youth and the homeless, with a mission to provide spiritual guidance and practical support. Their outreach includes after-school programs for children, summer camps, and a drop-in center for the homeless, offering meals, showers, and spiritual guidance Learn More....
City Light Ministry's approach is rooted in a 'less churchy' style of outreach, focusing on meeting people where they are. The organization operates from two locations: 246 North Ninth Street and 940 Spruce Street in Reading. The drop-in center for the homeless is open year-round, providing breakfast, showers, and daily Bible devotion Homeless Programs.
The ministry also runs youth programs, including the After-School Program and IMPACT 1 Student Ministries, which offer safe spaces, meals, homework assistance, and spiritual development for children and teens About. City Light is funded by churches, foundations, civic organizations, and individual donors, and it relies heavily on community support to continue its outreach Contact.
Newcomers are warmly welcomed, and the ministry encourages visitors to reach out with questions or to get involved in their programs. Whether you're looking for spiritual guidance, community support, or assistance for the homeless, City Light Ministry is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment.
From Faith Near Me
City Light Ministry - The Keep in Reading, PA, offers a non-traditional, community-focused approach to outreach, emphasizing practical support and spiritual guidance for youth and the homeless. Visitors will find a welcoming environment with accessible services like daily breakfast, showers, and after-school programs, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to meeting people where they are.
Pros
- Clear, specific service times for the Homeless Drop-In Center and seasonal programs like summer camp.
- Well-defined outreach initiatives for youth, including after-school care and spiritual development.
- Year-round homeless support with meals, showers, and daily Bible devotion at two locations.
- Strong community partnerships and funding from churches, foundations, and donors.
- Family-friendly facilities such as a playground, kitchen, and locker storage.
- A welcoming attitude for newcomers, with explicit encouragement to reach out for support or involvement.
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- Kat Figa year ago
They allow the homeless to stay there day and night. They don’t report all the drug use and gang activity on their steps and all around the neighborhood. Because of them our neighborhood resembles Kensington. I wish they would shut down. Right now it’s after 8pm and there’s over 25 people there arguing and using drugs. City Lights has ruined our neighborhood.
- Thearesa Pedersen5 years ago
Awesome, absolutely worth go if u r lost, spiritually broken, or a hot meal, gud coffee ☕, most of all, the word of God. It's refreshing to go here. Pastor Joe n Ms. Mabel n Colleen, a great thanks 😊 for ur continued faith n support in me. This is the only place I can really hear the word of God. I open my Bible at home n the devil comes a runnin.
- Josh Sparks (Sonder)7 years ago
I was homeless around the age of 18/19 and I didnt know that much about the services available. I was staying at the hope rescue mission, and you can get most of your services there as a homeless guy (dinner, chapel, shower, bed, possibly breakfast) but eventually learned through the grapevine about City Light. City Light is a homeless outreach ministry that ministers to the needs of the homeless and at risk populations. The services i needed were free, including breakfast, morning shower, small essentials like deoderant and fresh socks (lots of walking!) and they really try to instill the Word of God into you. They pray before every meal and they teach you about the Gospel, Jesus, and the Bible, so regardless of your current situation, you know that you may know God through his son to have eternal life. Most of their staff is volunteer, and they also have a school program at a different location. They are associated with Spring Valley Church, my first home church after I got saved, which is very good and biblical. Had i not been to thier morning service and partaken of thier services i dont know if I'd still be on the street. They treat you kindly, with humanity, something you need when you dont have much. Eventually with the help of their program and other services, God helped me become a christian, and my life turned around when I got help for my first apartment. Had i not known Christ, my family would still be broken, and I would still be on the street, or worse. It was because of City Light and places like Hope Rescue Mission that preached God to me while helping me in my frailties, to God be the glory. I am now 26, with a stable apartment, renewed family ties, struggling to be closer to Jesus, and I wouldnt have it any other way.
- Colleen Walmer2 years ago
They are there to feed the homeless breakfast and give them God's word. Thank you for your amazing ministry.
- Carl Milito7 years ago
Donating Bojangles Chicken to City Light Ministries and I m also good friends with the director of CL
- Thearesa Pedersen4 years ago
Inspirational n I love seeing ppl come together that r in need of something one way or another.
- JoseE Ra year ago
Please move out of our neighborhood. We don't want you here.
- Dawn Troy7 years ago
Physical food, coffee, showers & spiritual support! 💖 …
- Deanna Nellinger4 years ago
I love Pastor Joe Sclafani!!
- Vivian Arcuri2 years ago
Homeless? Go there.
- Aaron Hutson6 years ago
Only place in town for the homeless to go daily
- Lakreshia Workman8 years ago
Very great place outstanding people
- D&A's Opinion6 years ago
What they do for the community is special!
- Martin Perez4 years ago
Good place for the homeless
- Melvyn C.C. Frazier5 years ago
Best 👍 …
- Mary McClain2 years ago
Great place
- Phamton 2day4 years ago
Pleasant
- Mike Brian Andino Gomez6 years ago
Good day
Services and facilities
Services
- After-School Program
- Summer Camp Program
- Homeless Drop-In Center
- Youth Ministry
- Spiritual Guidance
- Breakfast And Coffee
- Showers And Laundry
- Mail And Locker Services
Facilities
- Drop-In Center
- After-School Center
- Summer Camp Center
- Kitchen
- Playground
- Locker Storage
Events and programs
Summer Day Camp Program
June 17th to August 1st
A summer program for children from kindergarten to 12th grade, including trips to the pool and local parks.
After-School Program
Second Monday in September to the last Thursday in May
A program for school-age children offering homework assistance, meals, and activities.
Connect
- Phone
- 484-926-3963
- Phone
- 1 (833) 470-6876
- Contact page
- Open contact page