You Can Make a Difference

Support the Homeless at the Credit Union

October 28th, 2008

Help the homeless at Community Shelter Services now through November 22nd at six area branches of the Erie General Electric Federal Credit Union. Purchase a turkey feather for a $1 and all of the proceeds help purchase turkeys for a special Thanksgiving meal for the homeless men, women and children staying in the emergency shelter and the single-room occupancies such as the Lodge on Sass and the Columbus Apartments. To visit a credit union branch near you, look at a complete list of the six area branches supporting Community Shelter Services at https://www.egefcu.org/about/branch-locations.

Donations of food items can also be dropped off to the emergency shelter at 652 West 17th Street, anytime, day or night to help feed the homeless on Thanksgiving. The following items can feed someone that is hungry this holiday season:
                                                    Canned green beans
                                                    Canned carrots
                                                    Canned corn
                                                    Canned mixed vegetables
                                                    Stuffing mix
                                                    Salt
                                                    Pepper
                                                    Coffee
                                                    Creamer
                                                    Styrofoam cups
                                                    Hot chocolate (for the children)
                                                    Marshmellows (for the children)
                                                    Cake mix (for the children)

Posted in Newsroom

Shelters Need Help

October 24th, 2008

The number of people who find themselves homeless has grown nationally. Sadly, homelessness is an issue for many of our own neighbors. It troubles me even more that children have become homeless.

Recently, I was speaking for a friend who works at Community Shelter Services and she reported that their emergency shelter was running at capacity. For this reason I am thankful that we have a modest handful of other local shelters.

However, I strongly suspect that they might be experiencing increasing demand.

Unlike other areas, Erie County has a tradition of providing for our neighbors in need. Because of this, we rarely see homeless people on the streets.

Therefore, many mistakenly assume that homelessness doesn’t exist here. It does, and I’m concerned that we are nearing a tipping point. Demand may soon outstrip the resources of our local emergency shelters.

I am asking your readers to dig deep and give to the homeless shelter of their choice. Volunteer, share talents, give household items, and or send a cash donation.

Brian McLaughlin
Erie

Source: The Erie TImes

Posted in Newsroom

Homeless Babies in Need of Your Donations

October 23rd, 2008

Community Shelter Services has family apartments known as the Jane Earll Family Apartments, which are located at 652 West 17th Street. This is an extended shelter-stay program for families who are unable to secure independent housing at the end of their shelter stay. Families may stay in these units for an indefinite amount of time or until they are able to secure housing within the community. Families staying in the Jane Earll Family Apartments are required to pay 30% of their income for rent. 

One family staying in the Jane Earll Family Apartments is in need of gently-used summer clothes for their children. The twin boys fit into 12 month-old clothes and the little girl needs summer clothes that are fitted for 18-24 months. The family is also in need of a double-stroller for the twin baby boys pictured here (Jayden is on the left, and his brother, Justin is on the right). If you have any gently-used clothes, please donate them to the agency by dropping the items off any time to the emergency shelter at 652 West 17th Street. Please specify that the donations are for the family in the Jane Earll Family Apartments.

Posted in Newsroom