In September, Circle Legacy Center reintroduced its monthly programs for the first time in multiple years. The organization was founded in 2007 by Victoria Valentine of Millersville with the primary goal of educating the local community on the culture and history of Native Americans, in addition to drawing attention to the modern concerns they face.

Although Circle Legacy Center has no official headquarters, it often partners with organizations such as Blue Rock Heritage Center in Washington Boro and the Conestoga Area Historical Society. The nonprofit's regular programs are open to the public, and they are held on the second Friday of each month at Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster, 328 W. Orange St., Lancaster. Although each of the program's meetings have always highlighted a specific issue that relates to Native American communities, Valentine decided to shift the upcoming session to focus on helping those who are experiencing homelessness in the city.

On Friday, Dec. 8, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Circle Legacy Center will host Dave Costarella at Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster. Costarella will share information about two programs he has created to support those struggling with housing in the area. Costarella created the first program, My People on the Streets, eight years ago to provide homeless Lancastrians with supplies such as food and warm clothing. Costarella created the program after he heard someone was handing out sandwiches at Binns Park downtown. "I never knew how many folks were there who were in need," Costarella said. "I saw the need, enjoyed the people, and I just wanted to make sure they knew someone out there loved them."

In April, Costarella partnered with Lancaster County Food Hub to create a second program, Hands Up Partners. Through the collaboration, the nonprofit organization raises money that Costarella uses to provide people without housing with a weekly stipend; in exchange, the recipients join him in cleaning projects at local parks and community areas. "The program has helped a lot of participants find jobs by acting as a stepping stone," said Costarella.

Valentine and Costarella met several years ago through their shared passion for community service. The program on Dec. 8 will be Circle Legacy Center's first official collaboration with Costarella, but he has worked with Valentine on various projects in the past to advocate for Lancaster County's homeless population. Valentine recently contacted the city council to raise awareness for issues such as a lack of public restrooms and emergency shelters. City officials have since placed a portable bathroom in the parking lot of an emergency shelter on North Prince Street, which is maintained by participants in the Hands Up Partners program.

"We're all very concerned about our homeless neighbors living on the streets, especially with winter coming," said Valentine, who will receive donations for Costarella's programs during the next Circle Legacy Center meeting. To view the list of needed items, search "Circle Legacy Center" on Facebook.

For more information on Costarella's programs, visit http://www.dcandco.net/handuppartners.htm.