George Harmanos '73G is no stranger to the call of service. For more than four decades, he has dedicated his life to teaching, guiding young minds, and, after his retirement, taking on a new mission: helping the homeless in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. His long career in education and deep commitment to those in need provide a shining example of service and leadership, qualities that resonate deeply on Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
From Mathematics to Mentorship
Originally from the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, area, Harmanos graduated with a B.S. in mathematics from King's College. He soon found a true passion for education — even though he didn't have a teaching credential at the time — teaching math at Bethlehem Catholic High School. To further his career, he enrolled at Lehigh University in 1970, where he earned his master’s in education and certification to teach.
For 43 years, Harmanos served as a dedicated math teacher at Bethlehem Catholic. His career was not only about imparting academic knowledge but also instilling the importance of compassion, service, and community in his students.
A New Mission: S.T.A.R.
Though Harmanos retired from teaching in 2013, his desire to make a difference did not wane. He soon became involved with a grassroots effort to assist Bethlehem's homeless. What began as a simple initiative by a city worker to provide food, water, and clothes to people living along the Lehigh River towpath grew into a vital nonprofit organization known as S.T.A.R. (Serving To Aid and Restore). (LINK: https://www.starbethlehempa.org/)
Through S.T.A.R., Harmanos now serves as the president of an organization that provides resources to homeless individuals every Saturday at Christ Church in downtown Bethlehem. S.T.A.R. offers free clothing, shoes, toiletries, bedding, camping gear, and more to those in need. This resource center serves not only those without permanent shelter but also anyone who needs a helping hand, regardless of their housing status.
“It’s not just about the homeless,” Harmanos explains. “We’re here for anyone who needs assistance, whether they’re living on the streets or struggling to make ends meet in their own homes. The community is our extended family.”
A Community-Driven Effort
Harmanos' role at S.T.A.R. is not just administrative; he is deeply involved in the day-to-day operations, ensuring that donations are sorted, organized, and distributed effectively. The community’s generosity has been a cornerstone of S.T.A.R.’s success, with local residents donating items ranging from gently used clothing to monetary contributions. The organization also relies on volunteers, who help to run the resource center on Saturdays and assist with sorting donations during the week.
“The local community has been amazing,” Harmanos says. “We get everything from jackets, socks, and shoes to toiletries and propane. People also donate money, which helps us purchase items that aren’t often donated, like propane canisters for people living in encampments along the Lehigh River.”
The need for services has grown, with S.T.A.R.’s Saturday attendance rising from 30 to 40 people just a few years ago to nearly 100 in recent weeks. Of these, about 60 are homeless, living in encampments or their cars, while the remaining 40 are simply looking for a hand up in tough times.
Lehigh’s Inspiring Spirit of Service
Harmanos’ commitment to service aligns with the values instilled during his time at Lehigh. It was there that he learned the importance of giving back, helping those in need, and forging strong community ties. His story speaks to the power of education, mentorship, and service and how these ideals shape lives long after graduation.
“Lehigh gave me the foundation to stay in education and always look for ways to help others,” Harmanos reflects. “The experiences I had at Lehigh, the people I met, and the lessons I learned continue to inspire me today. I learned that being a good teacher means being a good person — someone who is invested in others and who looks out for their community.”
Harmanos is a shining example of how one person can make a significant impact on their community. His work with S.T.A.R. is a testament to the power of service and the importance of stepping up for those in need. As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Harmanos’ story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that every small act of kindness contributes to a stronger, more compassionate society.
S.T.A.R. is always in need of donations, volunteers, and community support. Whether through donations of clothing, toiletries, or funds or by offering your time, you can help make a difference. To learn more about S.T.A.R. or to get involved, visit www.starbethlehem.org.
