Keystone Mission

WVIA News' Roger DuPuis and Sarah Scinto talk about ongoing coverage of Keystone Mission's financial troubles as the nonprofit deals with downsizing its operations and facing a possible lawsuit from Luzerne County.

July 10, 2025 - Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a bill yesterday repealing the state’s Sunday hunting ban. Keystone Mission’s executive director stepped down early and Scranton business owners don’t want parking fees to go up or hours to extend for downtown meters.

Former executive director Justin Behrens departs as Keystone Mission is closing its Innovation Centers for Homelessness and Poverty in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton and Luzerne County intends to sue over federal money Keystone received.

As Keystone Mission prepares to close its Innovation Center in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County plans to sue the organization over hundreds of thousands of dollars in American Rescue Plan grant funding provided to the agency.

Keystone Mission is closing two centers for homelessness and poverty in the region. The Wilkes-Barre Innovation Center includes an overnight shelter - it will close to guests in July.

Thousands of protestors across the region shared a sentiment over the weekend - "No Kings." Hear more from a local protest in Wilkes-Barre. And, Keystone Mission will close two centers in NEPA, including an overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Wilkes-Barre.

The 365-Overnight shelter in Wilkes-Barre, which opened one year ago, is one of two buildings the organization's board has voted to close.

The organization's board of directors announced Justin Behrens will return as director after Danielle Keith-Alexandre's "departure."

A report from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development showed the number of people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. hit record levels in 2024. Local organizations say they need the public's support to address the needs of the community.

Keystone Mission opened a permanent overnight shelter space this year and it has been filling up consistently as the nights get colder.