Foster Families Needed, Pandemic or Not

ALLENTOWN, Pa (WLVT) - In 2019 the Lehigh Valley had 889 kids in foster care. The pandemic is making it harder for Heidi Hoffer and those at Pinebrook Family Answers to continue to find homes for those kids, but it's far from a new problem.

"We never have enough homes in any one geographical area," Hoffer said. "So in, general pandemic or not, we are always in the need of more families, or more individuals to just step up and provide a safe and nurturing home."

Years ago the nonprofit used to get around a hundred calls each month inquiring about becoming a foster parent. Hoffer says those numbers have dwindled.

"Maybe I get 10 calls, so that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to turn into an application and go through the foster home study process," Hoffer said.

The pandemic has hurt Pinebrook financially. As the county and state tighten the budgets and the cost of PPP equipment rises, they can use all the help they can get.

If you'd like to make a donation or find out more about Pinebrook Family Answers and all the services they offer including foster care, you can visit their website, PFALV.org