Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Harrisburg’s homeless crisis is reshaping downtown streets and services

Also check out Borough Offices Closed on the Harrisburg Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 24th Patch AM
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Cheers Harrisburg! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Harrisburg’s homeless crisis is reshaping downtown streets and services
  • Which Harrisburg projects just landed nearly $460,000 in new grants?
  • How a Paxton Street car lot became a multimillion-dollar drug pipeline

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Harrisburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 47 and low of 31 degrees.
  • Thursday: A.M. mist; otherwise, cloudy, temps: high: 47, low: 24.
  • Friday: Icy mix in the p.m.; colder, with a high of 30 and low of 27 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. ‘Homeless with dignity': Harrisburg's unhoused overcome year of change (pennlive.com) — Harrisburg’s growing homeless community is navigating a year of major changes, from the shutdown of the long-standing tent city to stricter rules at a new encampment and pressure on downtown streets. Local shelters, churches, and nonprofits are scrambling to fill daytime service gaps, while residents and business owners wrestle with visibility, compassion, and complaints about public space. Veterans and longtime locals share how these shifts are reshaping daily life in the city.
   

Find out what's happening in Harrisburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Midstate gains nearly $460,000 in grants (cpbj.com) — Nearly $460,000 in state grants is headed to projects in Harrisburg and nearby Cumberland County, including major upgrades for YWCA Greater Harrisburg. Funding will also support a local church, youth services, and new park and sidewalk improvements aimed at boosting health, safety, and recreation for Midstate residents.
   

3. Harrisburg man gets 20 years; sold 2200 pounds of pot out of car dealership (local21news.com) — A Harrisburg man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for running a large-scale marijuana and cocaine trafficking operation through a Paxton Street used car dealership. Prosecutors say the scheme funneled thousands of pounds of drugs into the Harrisburg area and relied on mailed shipments, GPS tracking, and violence. He also received extra prison time for fraudulently collecting pandemic unemployment benefits while awaiting trial.
   

4. Amtrak rejects AmeriStarRail's transcontinental train proposal through Harrisburg (fox43.com) — Amtrak has rejected a private proposal for a coast-to-coast “Transcontinental Chief” train that would have included a stop in Harrisburg and more than a dozen other Pennsylvania communities. The Delaware-based AmeriStarRail now hopes Congress and federal transportation officials can revive talks, aiming for a possible 2028 launch tied to the Los Angeles Olympics.
   

5. Man beat woman to death and left her in a pool of blood for 'embarrassing' him: Police (lawandcrime.com) — A man wanted in a deadly domestic assault in Chambersburg was tracked down and arrested in Harrisburg, about 55 miles away, after a weekend manhunt. Police say he was found at his Harrisburg apartment, where investigators recovered messages allegedly blaming and demeaning the victim. He now faces a preliminary hearing in Franklin County court on Dec. 30.
   

📸 Around Harrisburg

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • For those parents who are struggling with Christmas let me assure you the children most love the fact that presents tells them you care.
    They don't have to be fancy, just relatable to your child. A long time ago I was five and my father had been out of work for over a year. No… (Nextdoor Shreinerstown)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
    FOUND on December 22, 2025 in Harrisburg, PA 17104 near Near and sycamore Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Penbrook)
  • ICYMI: the first phase of major improvements at Point State Park has been completed months ahead of schedule! Point State Park Operations Manager... (X: DCNRnews)
  • Did you know there’s an abandoned coal mining town in the McIntyre Wild Area (in Loyalsock State Forest) with a vista called “Band Rock?” As the... (X: DCNRnews)
  • Restaurant Depot LLC posted a job opening for Front End Manager in Harrisburg. Apply here.
  • Dunkin' posted a job opening for Team Member in Harrisburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Harrisburg here.

Ok Harrisburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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