Immediate funding needed to open winter shelter and serve those at risk of freezing on the streets
Strategies to End Homelessness (strategiestoendhomelessness.org) announced today an urgent call to the Greater Cincinnati community for funding for expanded Winter Shelter capacity and services. In previous winters, Strategies to End Homelessness and its partner agencies have been able to secure sufficient funding for the additional Winter Shelter capacity. However, funding is currently lacking so they are turning to the community for help. The Winter Shelter, operated by Shelterhouse and supported by Strategies to End Homelessness, the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition, and the City of Cincinnati, is scheduled to be open from mid-December through February, but sufficient funding is not yet available to cover expenses for that period of time, much less expenses related to opening earlier in the season.
“This year we have seen unprecedented destructive weather events in our country – from Houston to Florida to Puerto Rico, and there has been an outpouring of generosity in support of those affected,” said Kevin Finn, President & CEO for Strategies to End Homelessness. “Today we’re asking Cincinnatians to remember that normal winter weather can be deadly for people experiencing homelessness. As a community, we need to make sure everyone has a place where they can come in from the cold.”
Who is in Need
Last year in Hamilton County, nearly 7,200 people lived in emergency shelters or were found sleeping on the streets. Of those, 1,700 are children. The Winter Shelter can serve up to 200 homeless people per night. Over and above Hamilton County’s 675 year-round shelter beds. “Our goal is allow everyone to have a warm place to sleep. Simply put, Winter Shelter funding is the difference between people having that warm place or not,” Finn added. “The more funding we have, the earlier the Winter Shelter could open its doors, the longer we can keep it open, and the more people we can bring in off the streets.”
Now Accepting Donations for Winter Shelter
This effort is partially funded by the City of Cincinnati, operated by Shelterhouse, and coordinated by Strategies to End Homelessness. It is located on the lower level of the David and Rebecca Barron Center for Men 411 Gest Street. Tax-deductible donations to support the Winter Shelter can be made to Strategies to End Homelessness through their website strategiestoendhomelessness.org.
Contact: Stacie Berger, Communications Director
