National Volunteer Week, celebrated annually in April, shines a light on the incredible impact volunteers have on our communities. This year, the team at the Plymouth Meeting Target embraced the spirit of giving by organizing a donation drive to support the Norristown Hospitality Center.

Throughout the week, team members rallied together, collecting essential items for those in need. The staff, generously organized breakfast essentials, toiletries, and a variety of other necessities. The overflowing shopping cart served as a heartwarming testament to the power of community spirit.

National Volunteer Week isn’t just about acknowledging existing volunteers; it’s a call to action. The Plymouth Meeting Target team exemplifies this perfectly. Their initiative not only provided crucial support to the Norristown Hospitality Center but also inspired others to consider volunteering their time or resources.

By dedicating their efforts to this cause, the Target team made a real difference in the lives of those served by the Norristown Hospitality Center. Their actions serve as a reminder that even small acts of volunteerism can have a significant impact, and that together, we can build stronger, more supportive communities.

 

From the Director’s Desk

Sunanda Charles

In the life of a person experiencing homelessness, there are a myriad of problems in a day, and encountering law enforcement while living on the streets is one of them. At the Center, we frequently work with guests who may have justice involvement, many of whom receive citations for quality-of-life offenses. In the spring of 2021, we began exploring ideas to assist people who had frequent justice involvement due to their unhoused status.

My research led me to the American Bar Association’s website – to their page dedicated to Homelessness and Poverty. I contacted them and was pleasantly surprised at their excitement to share information and provide support with setting up a Homeless Court.  It was an honor to meet Mr. Steve Binder, creator of the Homeless Court Program, who was ready to provide technical assistance to replicate the model in our community. Under this model, it was clear that “Local homeless service agencies—not law enforcement—are the gateway for participants.”

I immediately reached out to the then Magisterial District Judge Gregory Scott who wholeheartedly supported the idea and agreed to collaborate with us and other stakeholders. With a $15,000 grant from Health Spark Foundation, we began exploring the idea. In February 2022, when we were about to initiate a pilot of the program, Judge Scott resigned from his office to run for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 54th District. For us, it was a setback in terms of establishing the Homeless Court. We continued to work on this, and I had the opportunity to attend the American Bar Association’s National Homeless Court Summit for Homelessness in September of 2022 in Washington DC.

The Norristown Hospitality Center has consistently partnered with local, county, and even state police, public defenders, judges, and probation/parole to minimize or even end this cycle of recidivism over nuisance “crimes”. Public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, fighting, trespassing etc. should not end with jail time. Our part begins with being aware of recently filed charges, and warrants being issued. Clients are very often anxious about court proceedings and law enforcement interaction, which can lead to more inappropriate responses and stricter punishment. Our staff has been able intercede and advocate on behalf of our clients with police, courts, and adult supervision, to lessen the burden on our jails and courts, while easing the anxiety and recidivism caused by transience and poverty.

While we wait for this dream to become a reality, I am committed to find innovative ways to remove barriers for people experiencing homelessness. Thank you for your partnership in this vital work.

Will You Help Support the Norristown Hospitality Center’s Code Blue Shelter?

In the heart of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, there are over 350 individuals grappling with homelessness. A staggering fact, indeed. CLICK HERE to Support the Code Blue Shelter On the coldest nights, when temperatures and windchill factors plummet to a biting 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, the danger amplifies for these individuals, leaving them vulnerable to severe injury, even death. The Norristown Hospitality Center’s Code Blue Shelter is a refuge that provides Care, Compassion, and Comfort amidst the despair of winter. Whenever the county officials declare a Code Blue Emergency, the shelter opens its doors at 8:00 PM, welcoming up to twenty-five guests for the night. A warm meal soothes their hunger, and the comfort of a cot, complete with sheets, a pillow, and a blanket, cradles them in safety and warmth. As dawn breaks at 6:30 AM, the shelter closes its doors only to prepare for the next Code Blue night. A dedicated team of paid staff and volunteers ensures that the guests are supervised and safe throughout their stay, providing a much-needed sense of security and community. The Norristown Hospitality Center’s Code Blue Shelter is not just a building. It’s a refuge against the cold, a safe haven for those in need, and a testament to the power of community action. It’s a place where warmth goes beyond the temperature, reaching into the hearts of its guests, offering them not just a relief from the cold, but also a glimmer of hope in the dark hours. The difference this shelter makes in the community is profound. It’s not just about providing a bed or a meal; it’s about preserving human dignity, fostering a sense of belonging, and empowering individuals to survive and eventually overcome the challenges they face. The Code Blue Shelter is a lifeline, a symbol of solace, and a testament to the power of compassion and community spirit. So remember, when the wind howls and the mercury drops, the Norristown Hospitality Center’s Code Blue Shelter stands as a guardian against the cold, a symbol of warmth, safety, and community in Montgomery County. Will you make a financial contribution to support this critical, life saving program? We rely on your generosity to save lives. Will you support the Hospitality Center’s Code Blue Shelter? If we can rise up to support those in our community who are most in need, we can build on the progress we’ve already made and then some. Can I count on you to make a tax deductible financial donation to support this life-saving program? $15 helps cover the costs of supplies each night. $22 helps to cover the costs for 1 person to stay 1 night at the shelter. $40 helps to covers the costs for a cot, pillowcase, sheet, and blanket for our guests. $90 helps to cover the costs for 1 staff member for 1 shift $250 helps to cover the weekly laundry costs to clean the linens. Our goal is to raise $5,000 over the next 10 days to support the men and women who utilize our Code Blue Shelter. CLICK HERE to Support the Code Blue Shelter

https://hospitalitycenter.org/2271-2/

Gabby’s Story Comes Full Circle

As our guests enter the Community Room at the Norristown Hospitality Center each weekday morning, they are greeted by Gabby, our front desk volunteer. Gabby greets everyone with a smile and a light in her eyes.

She directs our guests to sign into the Center, sign up for a shower, or sign up for social services. She ensures that our guests are connected with services in a timely manner and she really keeps the Center running efficiently.

Gabby was formerly homeless, and experienced multiple mental Health challenges. Our staff worked with Gabby and provided her with basic needs services, case management, and she completed Arize, our workforce development program. The Hospitality Center has a MOU with Maturity Works – a program that helps individuals who are 55+ years of age get back into the workforce. Gabby was placed as a staff at the Center through Maturity Works.

She is truly a success story because of her resilience and eternal hopefulness! She is empathetic to everyone who walks through our doors because she has a similar lived experience.

Gabby plans to continue her success and complete a training program to become a Certified Peer Specialist. It is her hope to help the most vulnerable people of the community and to help them regain their life and power. We are so thankful for the gifts and talents that Gabby brings to the Center!

Health & Wellness at the Hospitality Center

Health outcomes have been known to improve since the Housing First approach was implemented.  But those that remain unhoused, due to lack of affordable housing coupled with underfunded housing programs, still need their healthcare needs addressed. Unhoused individuals often face many barriers to accessing healthcare including high health care costs, lack of insurance, and lack of access to transportation. Often these barriers result in higher utilization of emergency services. In the last program year alone, the Center documented 19 calls to 911 due to medical emergencies.

The Hospitality Center has been at the forefront in understanding the needs of our clients and developing meaningful collaborations with other organizations to meet these needs. We have seen a significant increase in our Health and Wellness Programs being utilized by our clients.

Under our Health and Wellness Programs, the Center provides various preventative health programs onsite like our Monthly Health Clinic, bi-monthly HIV/STI Testing Clinics, weekly Mobile Recovery Clinic, a nutritious breakfast every weekday, medication co-pays, year-round referrals to Lenscrafters for eyeglasses, flu shots, and COVID vaccines. Most of these programs are offered in collaboration with other organizations.

While we believe that stable housing is still a key determinant of health, we need to give urgent attention to the the immediate health needs of our clients.  The Center is a place where a non-traditional route to basic healthcare becomes accessible to those that need it and are not able to access it through traditional means. Our goal is to improve health outcomes for our clients. We are accomplishing that by leveraging strategic partnerships to bring these critical healthcare services to the people.

30-Day Shower Challenge Ends on Friday, September 15th

 

There are just a few days left of our 30-Day Shower Challenge and the response has been truly amazing. If you have already donated, our staff and guests thank you for your generosity and support.

Just today, our staff was discussing that we have seen a significant increase in demand for the use of our shower. We can normally accommodate up to 12 individuals per day, but recently, the daily need has increased. We are evaluating ways to meet this increased need.

Did you know that the Norristown Hospitality Center provided 2,631 Showers in the last program year? Each month, the Norristown Hospitality Center provides, on average, 219 showers to our guests.

Our shower program provides a safe and clean place for people to shower. We also provide our guests with laundered towels, new underwear, soap, and other toiletries. In addition, we offer them a chance to connect with case managers who can help them find housing, employment, and other resources.

There are just a few days left in our 30-Day SHOWER CHALLENGE. Will you support this important program? Will you donate $0.50 for each shower a member of your household took since August 15th.

Through our shower program we have seen the difference that a simple shower can make in someone’s life. The shower program is one way that the Hospitality Center provides Care, Comfort, and Compassion.

Will you think about the needs of our guests while you are in the shower?

The next time you are taking a shower, we ask that you think about the Norristown Hospitality Center. More importantly, we ask that you think about our guests. On these hot, steamy days, our guests rely on the Center to provide them with the ability to wash the dirt and sweat from their bodies. We all know how refreshing a shower can be! Will you support the shower program at the Hospitality Center?

SHOWER CHALLENGE:

• How many showers do the people in your household take each month?
• Would you be willing to donate $0.50 for each shower someone in your home takes from August 15th through September 15th.

Your support of the 30 Day Shower Challenge helps alleviate our guests’ feelings of isolation and shame.

CLICK HERE to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.

Sole Harvest 5K/1 Mile Walk to benefit those experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County

Will you help support our neighbors who are living on the streets? Join us for the Sole Harvest 5K/1 Mile Walk on Saturday, October 14th at 9:00 AM at the Norristown Farm Park. This event is a fundraiser for the Norristown Hospitality Center, and all proceeds will go towards providing Care, Comfort, and Compassion to our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness and poverty. This event, now in its 10th year, is a critical fundraiser that will ensure that programs at the Norristown Hospitality Center will continue to serve the needs of the community. The daily breakfast program, shower program, social services, and work force development programs all depend on the funds raised by this event. Early bird registration is now open! Register by August 31st and save $5. You can register online at www.soleharvest5k.com. Are you a student? The student rate is only $15.00! All participants will receive a race t-shirt! This year, the t-shirt has been upgraded to a tech shirt! This is a great event for the whole family! So come out and support the Norristown Hospitality Center and have some fun at the same time. If you have any questions, please send an email to [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your support of those in our community who are most in need.

During your next shower, will YOU think about the women and men who rely on the showers at the Norristown Hospitality Center?

Dear Supporter,

Did you know that the Norristown Hospitality Center provided 2,631 Showers in the last program year? Each month, the Norristown Hospitality Center provides, on average, 219 showers to our guests.

Today, I am writing to you to ask for your support of our SHOWER PROGRAM for those experiencing poverty and homelessness. As you know, there are many people in our community who do not have access to a safe and clean place to shower. This can have a devastating impact on their physical and mental health.

When people cannot shower regularly, they are more likely to suffer health issues and experience medical problems.  In addition, not being able to shower can lead to feelings of isolation and shame.

Our shower program provides a safe and clean place for people to shower. We also provide our guests with laundered towels, new underwear, soap, and other toiletries. In addition, we offer them a chance to connect with case managers who can help them find housing, employment, and other resources.

Through our shower program we have seen the difference that a simple shower can make in someone’s life. The shower program is one way that the Hospitality Center provides Care, Comfort, and Compassion.

Mike is one of our guests who spends each night sleeping on the street. He is among the first people to enter the Center each morning to get breakfast and put his name on the shower list. He starts each weekday getting a shower at the Center before heading off to work in Philadelphia. Your donation allows Mike to have the dignity of cleanliness. He can be fresh and clean each morning before he takes the train to work.

We know that there are many people, like Mike, in our community who need help. That’s why we are asking for your support.

Will you think about the needs of our guests while you are in the shower?

The next time you are taking a shower, we ask that you think about the Norristown Hospitality Center. More importantly, we ask that you think about our guests. On these hot, steamy days, our guests rely on the Center to provide them with the ability to wash the dirt and sweat from their bodies. We all know how refreshing a shower can be! Will you support the shower program at the Hospitality Center?

SHOWER CHALLENGE: 

• How many showers do the people in your household take each month?
• Would you be willing to donate $0.50 for each shower someone in your home takes during the next 30 days?

1 Individual – Showering Daily for 1 Month – $15.00

2 Individuals – Showering Daily for 1 Month – $30.00

A Family of 5 – Showering Daily for 1 Month – $75.00

Your support of the 30 Day Shower Challenge helps alleviate our guests’ feelings of isolation and shame.

CLICK HERE to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.

Sincerely,

Matt Kirsch

Development Coordinator