Month: April 2020

Dear Friend(s) ,
In this time of uncertainty, there’s a fundamental truth that gives us hope – that together we can do extraordinary things. Over the past few weeks and months, the entire world has been coming together to stand up, help out, give back, and heal. Whether that’s through donations to community organizations, celebrating doctors and nurses at shift changes, or reaching out to a neighbor to help with groceries, generosity has been helping the entire world get through this global pandemic. Together.

On May 5, 2020, The Open Shelter is participating in #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of unity and giving. As you know, our organization will continue to “Stay Behind With Those Left Behind” even during these crucial times. Providing food, clothing, hygiene items and even money management for the most vulnerable during this pandemic.
But we can’t do this without you!

Not only do we need your support, we need your help to spread the word. Please tell your friends and family why you believe in our work and encourage them to support us too!

Join the movement on May 5, 2020! Bookmark our donate link today: http://theopenshelter.org/donate/ and follow The Open Shelter on facebook and twitter to see how you can help during the #GivingTuesdayNow movement.


Thank you for being a part of our mission to help the homeless and marginally housed in Central Ohio.
Hope you are healthy and safe.

As I mentioned in a previous post, the guests at The Open Shelter have reacted well to our new procedures as a result of COVID-19.  Our supporters, old and new, have also reacted well.  We have received support, financially and materially, from so many individuals and groups that frankly, it has been overwhelming.  We are committed to providing meals, almost always hot, to anyone who shows up.  This requires supplies we do not usually have or need, such as Styrofoam to-go containers, Styrofoam bowls with lids, pre-wrapped plastic ware and lots of bottled water. 

Initially, we purchased large quantities of these items as we see on average 150 men, women and children each day.  Then some amazing organizations reached out, asking about our needs and these items began showing up at our agency.  Filling this need for us directly fills the needs of the guests we see each day.

When those we serve show up and receive a hot meal to go and a sack lunch, they know that people see them, hear them and care about them.  During a time when they cannot find a place to be warm, a place to use a computer or phone, or even a place to use the bathroom; the act of showing up and providing warm food does more good than we can really understand.  It is our honor, as always, to stay behind with those left behind.

You can help keep our mission alive during this crucial time by donating HERE-
http://theopenshelter.org/donate/

Thank You,

Sheli Mathias
Chief Operating Officer