The Porch
No appointment. No paperwork to walk in. If the light's on, come in.
The Porch is where most people meet Lanternhouse for the first time. It's a converted 1920s mill house in West End with a kitchen, a living room, two showers, a laundry room, a computer lab, and a back yard.
Navigators are on shift every hour we're open. They can help you find a bed for tonight, replace a lost ID, apply for food assistance, sign up for any Lanternhouse program, or just sit with you.
Hot dinner is served every night at 6. Lunch is on weekends.
What you get
- Hot meals every day
- Showers, laundry, and hygiene supplies
- Computers, printing, and Wi-Fi
- Mail service if you don't have an address
- Navigators for IDs, benefits, and next steps
Often paired with
- HousingLanding HomesFurnished apartments with up to 24 months of rent support, a key on day one, and someone to call when the pipe bursts.
- MentoringAnchor MentorsOne trained adult, matched for at least two years, who answers the phone at 11 p.m. and shows up for the graduation.
- Education and workPathwaysGED to graduate school, apprenticeships to first paychecks. Paid training, tuition help, and an employer network that hires our people.