Anchor Lancaster shines as a beacon of hope in the community, offering meals, showers and other essential services and support to neighbors in need.

In 2025, Anchor served 45,891 meals and provided 6,013 showers to individuals facing homelessness and hardship. That impact would not be possible without the generosity of the community, whether it's through financial contributions or countless hours of service from dedicated volunteers.

Anchor will host its primary annual fundraiser, the 2026 Gala, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, at Lancaster Country Club, 1466 New Holland Pike. The event will feature dinner, live music, live and silent auctions, and stories that illustrate the impact of the community's generosity.

"The gala is one of the most important ways our work is funded," executive director Patty Eastep said. "It provides critical support for Anchor Lancaster's work, helping to sustain meals, showers, laundry and other services to neighbors experiencing homelessness, poverty and crisis."

Anchor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that rents space within First United Methodist Church, 29 E. Walnut St., Lancaster. The program's staff and volunteers consider every meal, shower and load of laundry an opportunity to show God's love for their neighbors in a practical way.

Anchor's doors are open to anyone in need. Guided by core values of compassion, dignity and respect for every person who walks through the doors, the program aims to provide a safe, supportive environment where guests can find the resources and care they need to rebuild their lives.

Anchor volunteers serve a warm, nutritious breakfast from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. every weekday, including holidays. To support dignity and personal hygiene, private, hot showers are available each weekday morning. Anchor also provides free access to laundry services to help guests maintain cleanliness and confidence.

In addition, Anchor offers personalized support to help individuals regain stability through case management services, as well as connections to housing, employment and other vital community resources. Through partnerships with local health care professionals, Anchor provides free medical support on a regular basis, including on-site care from visiting physicians and nurses, as well as specialized services from the Women's Medical Van.

Eastep invites anyone who is interested in hearing more about Anchor's impact to consider attending the gala.

"Following a soldout gala last year, Anchor Lancaster will gather this year in a new setting that allows for continued growth and broader community engagement," she said. "This evening brings together business leaders, philanthropic partners and mission-driven supporters to steward resources wisely in service of a calling that is both practical and deeply rooted in faith."

To learn more about Anchor Lancaster's 2026 Gala or to make a donation, visit http://www.AnchorLancaster.org. To volunteer to help serve breakfast on weekday mornings, email Jen@AnchorLancaster.org.