Shelter seeks support for daily operating expenses
The Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County Spring Annual Campaign raises funds for daily operating expenses.
While the Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County continues the search for a location for a new shelter, the organization is launching the Spring Annual Campaign to raise funds for daily operating expenses.
The shelter operated by the Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County opened in 2005 and has served thousands of guests and other people in need in the community.
For 18 years the Friends of the Homeless has relied upon donations from the community to provide a significant portion of the annual operating budget that totals approximately $475,000.
Individual donations, local foundation support, and federal and state grants provide the funds needed to provide 24/7 care for a variety of individuals who come to the shelter looking for safety, a meal, a shower and a warm bed.
Shelter guests also receive support and guidance from a case manager, counseling services, life-skill training and more in a family-like environment.
The Friends of the Homeless serves many more people in the community with food, hygiene products, blankets and other basic necessities. Each year the Friends of the Homeless provides approximately 27,900 meals for shelter guests and over 5,700 meals and 1,100 food boxes for hungry citizens from the community.
“Our plans for a new shelter have been in the news recently, but we have an immediate need for donations to support our current operating expenses and continue the services we now provide,” Executive Director Calvin White said. “Our mission is to assist families and individuals in a faith-based environment to attain stability, sobriety and permanent housing. We depend on community support to fulfill that mission and provide a hand up to folks in our community who need our help.”
Anyone interested in making a contribution can visit www.fothtusc.org and click the Donate Now link. Contributions also may be mailed to Friends of the Homeless Annual Campaign, 211 E. High Ave., P.O. Box 466, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.