Making a difference

By Strathmore Overnight Shelter News Release

The Strathmore Overnight Shelter is launching its Christmas campaign called 25 Ways in 25 Days this December.
Each day, up until Christmas, the shelter will reveal a different way people can support those who are less fortunate in their community.
“Not everyone can afford to make a donation, but everyone in our community has the ability to support the shelter,” said Elizabeth Karp, executive director of the Strathmore Overnight Shelter. “We operate solely on the generosity of our allies, donors and volunteers. Every small contribution means so much to our clients.”
The social media campaign will provide 25 simple ways to support the shelter, from donating much-needed items and volunteering, to small ways to increase awareness and knowledge about homelessness in Strathmore and area.
“Strathmore is a community where people of all ages and abilities come together to help one another, and we wanted to celebrate that with our Christmas campaign,” Karp explained. “Our volunteers have given over 6,000 hours of their time just this year for intake and overnight shifts. Donors have kept food on the table each night. We can’t express how blessed we are that our community continues to make our work possible.”
The Christmas campaign comes at a time where homelessness is not only difficult but becomes an issue of survival with the frigid winter weather.
The Strathmore Overnight Shelter has been open for just over a year, providing shelter, warm clothing, meals, shower and laundry facilities, and resources to those who struggle with homelessness. The shelter currently can house 10 clients. Due to the overwhelming need, they are hoping to expand their facility to accommodate up to 20 clients by early next year.
For more information on how you can donate to the Strathmore Overnight Shelter, find them on Facebook or visit their website (strathmoreovernightshelter.com).