Oak Chapel UMC gives bedding to new Wooster homeless shelter
Oak Chapel United Methodist Church recently donated new bedding to Homeward Bound, Wooster’s new homeless shelter set to open next month.
When Homeward Bound, Wooster’s new homeless shelter, opens next month, visitors will be greeted by a bed complete with new sheets, blankets and pillows, thanks to a gift from Oak Chapel United Methodist Church in Wooster.
“We are delighted to have a role in equipping the shelter with new bedding,” Oak Chapel Pastor John Finn said. “Jesus encouraged his disciples and all who would follow to provide shelter for the homeless, and we are honored to have an opportunity to do so. We are so grateful to Ed Matusik and Donna Serzen for their extraordinarily gracious donation, which enabled us to purchase the bedding.”
Located at 981 Grossjean Road in Wooster, Homeward Bound is designed to be a day center and severe weather shelter with beds, laundry facilities and internet access. Those who stay at the shelter will be encouraged to connect with social-service agencies in an effort to help them find stable, long-term housing. In the meantime Homeward Bound will help to meet their immediate needs by being open every day of the year.
“Homeward Bound of Wooster and Wayne County’s goal is to meet our guests’ basic daily needs,” Executive Director Cynthia Bonidie said. “One of those needs is having a safe space to rest. This new bedding is something our guests deserve and goes to show that our community cares about meeting the need of getting a good night’s sleep.”
The shelter was formed through Wooster’s Homelessness Task Force, which was created five years ago to address the homeless population in the area. Recent estimates indicate there are currently around 100 homeless people in Wayne County.
Thanks to Homeward Bound, no one will have to spend a night out in the cold.