Samuelson announces three awards totaling more than $450,000 in state funding for Bethlehem nonprofits
Rep. Steve Samuelson May 20, 2026 | 1:04 PM
HARRISBURG, May 20 – State Rep. Steve Samuelson, D-Northampton, today announced that three Bethlehem nonprofits will be beneficiaries of state funding through the Local Share Account grants program.
“I am thrilled to be able to deliver these funds to three important initiatives taking place in our city. Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering will receive $313,608 toward its project to convert their use to one that is year-round for our most vulnerable unhoused population. Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites is being awarded $75,000 for their important restoration work on the 1761 Tannery building – the only extent tannery in the world! New Bethany also will receive $75,000 for their new construction and renovation efforts on their Southside Campus. Our community continues so much great work, and I’m pleased to be able to secure state funding for these projects,” Samuelson said.
“Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering is grateful to receive this grant. It will greatly strengthen the mission of BES and our partnerships with our nearly 700 volunteers, Christ UCC Church, the city of Bethlehem, and the service providers we have established and hope to establish. BES and our partners continue to advocate for and serve the most vulnerable members of our community in order to keep them safe,” said the Rev. Canon Rodney Conn, BES Board Chair.
“HBMS is honored to receive support through the LSA grant that Rep. Samuelson secured to continue elevating historic preservation efforts in the Colonial Industrial Quarter, and to ensure that the Historic District remains a cultural and economic driver for our community. This important project, when paired with the recent opening of the Grist Miller’s House and repairs to the Waterworks will continue critical preservation efforts and cultural programming for our community,” said LoriAnn Wukitsch, HBMS president & CEO.
“We are grateful to Rep. Samuelson for his advocacy for the generous grant of $75,000. This grant supports the expansion of our campus, capacity and care for our neighbors in need,” said New Bethany Executive Director John Marc Rittle.
The grants were approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The Local Share Account Programs were created through the 2004 PA Racehorse Development and Gaming Act, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenue to support projects in the public interest within the commonwealth.