Dear Friends & Supporters:

2017 was definitely a trying year for The Open Shelter & those we serve, the homeless & marginally housed.   We lost Mary Beittel, the guiding light for our agency for so many, many years.  The number of those we served increased again to nearly 3100 men, women and children.  The amount of those living on the streets who came to see us for assistance increased as well.   We also continued to deal with financial challenges in 2017.

      

But it was also a year of hope and change as Sheli Mathias joined us to help with a transition in leadership.  We also were blessed by the support and help of so many in Central Ohio and beyond who continue to use us as a conduit for their compassion to the most vulnerable in our community.  We also continue to have a wonderful partnership with St. John’s United Church of Christ as our Advocacy Center & Day Services Shelter continues to be located right behind them.
                              

YOU still have time to make YOUR 2017 donation to continue our mission of helping the homeless and marginally housed in Central Ohio.  From material assistance to money management to supportive services to housing, YOUR support helps us help so many.

YOU can do this one of two ways—-

Either online by 12/31 at http://theopenshelter.org/donate/
or by mail (make sure your check is dated no later than 12/31/2017) to:

The Open Shelter
61 E. Mound St.
Columbus OH  43215-5121

If you have already donated, Thank You.
If not, please take this opportunity to get your donation for this year in under the wire.
Bless You & We Wish All Of You A Wonderful 2018.

THE OPEN SHELTER  61 E. Mound St.  Columbus OH  43215
614-222-2885
www.TheOpenShelter.org

This month’s theme is DANCE!

Special appearance by Movement Afoot Tap Dance Company!

Gateway Film Center is located at 1550 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201.

“A time for family.  But my family is in Dayton.  So it is kind of lonely.  I have Trish but not my family.  So I pray a lot for everyone.”
                                              Darryl S.

“Mixed emotions.  Stress and depression, worrying about money but also loving where I volunteer and finding joy & happiness in helping others.  It all balances out.”
                                                 Trish S.

“Nothing.”
                                           Thomas D.

“A time wherever you are to have a reason to feel and share love.  Something we have in common no matter how you celebrate.”
                                          Aundrea A.

“Family, fun and helping others.  It is the time to give back to the world and think about and pray for those not as fortunate as ourselves.
                                          Bill C.

“Loneliness and Happiness of the celebration of Jesus Christ, my Lord & Savior.”
                                               Byron P.

“It’s time to spend with your family.”
Vickie K.

“Joy & Happiness.  To children, it means presents, family time and love.  If I had a family, it would mean the same to me.”
                                            Robert M.

“It means a lot to me.  Family Life and the Birth of Jesus Christ that we shall have life & have it more abundantly.”
                                          Anthony A.

“Waking up every morning.  People should realize it’s not about presents, decorations, trees and stockings.  Let’s concentrate on keeping places open to help the homeless.  That means a lot to me.”
                                                   Lou T.

“Remembering God’s gifts to us, family & friends who we get to spend time with.  And of course, good food.”
                                           Michael O.

 

YOU DID IT AGAIN!!!!!

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!

You met the match! In fact, over $20,000 was raised in November!

So you met the $5000 Anonymous Donor Match & then some!

We are so grateful for your support of our mission to help the homeless & marginally housed.