Names and titles are very important.

Names are points of first contact for the public. Names create brand awareness. Names provide clues to what organizations do and what they're all about.

The Lancaster County Food Hub has a new name.

"Many people in Lancaster County know us, but there are still people who may not realize how much happens under the hub's roof," said Erin Conahan, the director of advancement at Lancaster Hub. "We are more than a food pantry. We provide access to food and clothing, connect neighbors with homelessness resources in our daytime outreach center and provide supportive services together with community partners. We are also a place where people can give back - through volunteering, donating, partnering or simply helping spread the word. Most importantly, people should know that everyone who walks through our doors is treated with dignity, compassion and respect."

The Lancaster County Food Hub is now the Lancaster Hub, short, sweet, simple and to the point. The multifaceted nonprofit, which officially changed its name in late September, assists the underserved with so much more than food.

The Lancaster Hub is 27,000 square feet of inspirational services located at 812 N. Queen St., Lancaster.

"At its heart, the Lancaster Hub is about dignity, hope, stability and connection," said Conahan. "Lancaster County Food Hub served us well during an important chapter of our history, but our work has grown beyond food. Lancaster Hub gives us room to reflect the full scope of what happens here. It also speaks to our role as a hub of connection - connecting neighbors to resources and connecting neighbors to tangible ways to give back and support their community. Same mission. Same heart. New name. A name that better reflects where we're going."

In 2025, more than 78,000 Lancaster County residents utilized the Lancaster Hub's services, which include food, clothing and homeless support, as well as genuine care and understanding.

"They are our neighbors," said Conahan, a resident of Manheim Township. "They are families, seniors, parents, students, working families and individuals from all walks of life. Some are experiencing a temporary hardship, while others may be dealing with challenges that have lasted much longer. Many are working and still struggling to make ends meet."

The Lancaster Hub is staffed by 16 caring employees, and its work is enhanced by the contributions of more than 150 volunteers. The Lancaster Hub is also supported by food and new and gently used clothing donations, as well as financial assistance from foundations, businesses, donors, congregations, grants and community organizations.

"Our staff and volunteers bring something different, but everyone is united by the same goal," said Conahan. "Financial contributions help support the people, programs, facilities and infrastructure needed to make those services possible. One of the most remarkable things about the Lancaster Hub is how many people in our community see a need and ask, 'How can I help?'"

Founded as the Lancaster County Council of Churches, the organization has been serving the Lancaster County community for nearly 80 years. In 2014, its trajectory was put on its current path partly through the renovation of its massive facility on Queen Street.

"Hands down, the best part is absolutely the people," said Conahan. "I love seeing the way neighbors, volunteers, donors, staff, churches, businesses and community partners all come together here. There are so many everyday moments that remind you why this work matters - a neighbor finding a dress for homecoming; a family leaving with food for the week, including a birthday cake to celebrate their family member's birthday; a volunteer showing up because they simply want to help; our unhoused neighbors leaning in and supporting the organization that helped them and giving back. I also love that the Hub is a place where people can both give and receive. Everyone has something valuable to contribute. To me, that's what makes this place special; it truly is a community hub."

For additional information, go to http://www.lancasterhub.org.