I would like to express my sincerest gratitude, for your interest in helping people struggling with homelessness in our community. This season, thanks to the ongoing efforts of our dedicated volunteers and supporters, HOPE Hospitality & Warming Center was able to open the doors of our winter emergency shelter on November 27th--more than a month earlier than in previous years. Additionally, we will remain open until April 25th, amounting to a 60% expansion of our shelter operating season!

What does this mean for our community? Each evening that we operate, we are able to provide meals, showers, dry clothing, a warm place to sleep, nurse visits, housing stabilization assistance, general case-management, service referrals and more for up to 65 people in need. This season alone, we have already provided over 5,600 nights of accommodation, and have even placed several of our guests into housing. Also for the first time, we will be able to continue offering housing stabilization services and case-management throughout the year.

While our program expansion is certainly worth celebrating, it is important that we remember the need for emergency food and shelter services in our area is rapidly increasing. HOPE is the only option for many in our community to find refuge, as we are the only emergency shelter in the area that does not limit the amount of time a person can access services, does not screen for intoxication, and has a commitment to never turn away any person in need.

Please consider making your own contribution to this important work, whether through your own donation, or by reaching out to others in your network. It means so much to those who seek our assistance.

Sincerely,

Ryan Hertz, M.S.W.
Executive Director