Poverty ... one way to help ... The Shelter in Tallahassee, FL

Poverty sucks. And there are children, women, and men in need of shelter, food, or other life necessities in every city and town in our country. You won't have to look too hard to find them. It will give you the most wonderful feeling if you will take some action to help others who are in desperate need.

The following article was submitted by Jacob Reiter, AmeriCorps VISTA*(Volunteer in Service to America). Jacob is Co-Director of Tallahassee Homeless Speakers Bureau.

It's uncomfortable to think about, but homelessness is only a few steps away for any of us. Many rely on facilities like The Shelter to temporarily house and feed them as they reconstruct their lives. It can be a long process to get a homeless person or family to seek help at The Shelter, but when they do, their lives are transformed. The Shelter is a refuge, providing all who walk through its doors emergency shelter and ongoing residential support and services for as long as they want or need.

Last year The Shelter served a record 2,600 individual guests, providing an incredible 59,215 nights of warm, safe lodging. Shelter services include a nurse station, showers, laundry, wake up calls, access to basic hygiene supplies, and clothing distribution.

With the opening of The Bill Hanson Community Day Center in October of 2004, the Shelter began offering 24-hour services. Through the Day Center, The Shelter partners with area agencies, and offers assistance, a meal or other supportive services to anyone-seven days a week. The Day Center is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers and organizations that would like to initiate a program or provide a service designed to assist our guests.

The Shelter accepts food, supplies, donations, and is always looking for volunteers who want to make a difference in their local community.

The Shelter is located at 480 W. Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL. Call 850 224-9055 if you want to help or contact Jacob at P.O. Box 4062, Tallahassee, Fl 32315-4062
Phone: (305) 904-7845
Fax: (850) 681-7756
Email: Jreiter@nationalhomeless.org