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What we do
The Community Shelter offers a three-tier program that helps those in crisis obtain the stability they need to change their lives. The first phase provides shelter and counseling for the individual, and for those who are unemployed, help in finding employment. The second phase helps the client address immediate needs such as obtaining an education, settling outstanding debts, and receiving counseling for continued support. The third phase prepares the individual for transition into permanent housing and building financial stability.
Residents are required to reach certain benchmarks in order to move through each phase of the program. For example, to move from phase one to phase two, a client must have at least $500 in a savings account;
attend AA or NA meetings
at least three times a week; and seek counseling when necessary. As a client advances from one phase to another, more privileges are granted, such as extended curfews and overnight passes.
Volunteer groups prepare and serve dinner on location seven nights a week as well as lunches every Saturday and Sunday. This helps strengthen the sense of community and support in the shelter and allows volunteers to meet and talk with
our residents
working on making lasting changes for a more self-reliant future.
Community Shelter
Dining Schedules:
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Who we help
The Community Shelter helps homeless individuals who have demonstrated that they are ready to make a change in their lives. Many of its residents come from a past where substance abuse, mental illness, evictions or unemployment led to homelessness. Therefore, the program offers more than shelter to the 40 individuals (32 men and 8 women) who enter the program for up to 12 months. |
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During an individual's stay, a case manager works with the resident to set goals and reestablish family ties. A resident is required to remain drug and alcohol free; attend support group meetings such as AA and NA; attend workshops on life skills; and continue to improve job skills. In addition to paying $40 a week in program fees, a resident must deposit between 30 to 50 percent of his or her income directly in a bank account. (A portion of the savings is used when the resident is ready
to make the transition out of the program and move into his or her own residence.)
Who supports us
Area civic organizations and churches, private donations, grants and annual fund-raisers help finance The Community Shelter. In addition, volunteer groups prepare and serve dinner during the week as well as lunch on weekends.
How you can help
The Community Shelter offers several volunteer and donation opportunities. Many organizations sponsor and prepare one of the nine meals offered every week at the shelter. Some popular and needed donations include washing machines, bus tickets, toiletries and other essentials. Please contact Ken Roth for a list of items needed at The Community Shelter and Sean's Place.
Program history
The current Community Shelter facility was donated in 1987 by Albert and Lillian Meyer and was used as an emergency shelter for many years. In 1999, Freedom House applied for a permit to use the location as a transitional housing program. This allowed the Community Shelter to be more than simply a quick fix for the chronically homeless by giving residents the opportunity and support necessary to stabilize and restore their lives.
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