Month: May 2020

Dear Friend(s):

As you definitely know, we are going through some unprecedented times currently.  Things have never been more uncertain or unclear than they are now. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways.  Imagine on top of that being uncertain or unclear where your next meal, next pair of socks or even your next trip to the restroom will be.  The Open Shelter exists to make sure the most vulnerable in our community; homeless and marginally housed men, women and children, have a place to turn to during this uncertain time.  The Open Shelter exists because YOU have decided to continue our mission of “Staying Behind With Those Left Behind”.  

NOW more than ever, YOU have an opportunity to support that mission in a BIG way during The BIG Give thanks to our partners at The Columbus Foundation.  Starting on Wednesday, June 10th at 10 am through Thursday, June 11th at 6 pm, your donation to The Open Shelter at https://columbusfoundation.org/the-giving-store/nonprofit-directory-listing/OpenShelterInc/458 will be boosted, thanks to a $1 million+ Bonus Pool provided by The Columbus Foundation and corporate and community partners! Further, all credit card fees will be covered by the Foundation, so 100 percent of your donations go to our mission of “Staying Behind With Those Left Behind”.  We hope you will join us in this extraordinary opportunity to rally together because we are truly better, together.

Give securely using Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or a major U.S. credit card with a minimum gift of $20. All credit card fees are covered during The BIG Give, and each gift will be boosted on a pro rata basis thanks to a $1 MILLION+ BONUS POOL.  Donate $20 or more and share your experience with #biggive on social media! Be sure to tag The Columbus Foundation and The Open Shelter.You can also Text2Connect to support The Open Shelter during The BIG Give!  Text 458 to (614) 230-0347 & Text2Connect will send you a link to complete The BIG Give transaction to support us and those we serve.

The Open Shelter is a grassroots agency.  Anything we provide for the most vulnerable in our community is because of YOUR support.  YOU are the reason we exist.  Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to amplify YOUR support and make it BIG.  Thank You.

#GivingTuesdayNOW Was A Success!!
We asked…and you answered the call!
Because of YOU, nearly $3500 was raised on #GivingTuesdayNOW for The Open Shelter and those we serve.
We are grateful & blessed because of your support.

Thank YOU For Making Mother’s Day A Reality!

It wasn’t as fancy as in past years…but thanks to your donations, we were still able to put smiles on the faces of mom’s we serve (and their children!). We thank you!

YOUR Donations make this possible!  
YOU can continue our mission of “Staying Behind With Those Left Behind” by donating HERE- http://theopenshelter.org/donate/

THE OPEN SHELTER, INC.
61 E. Mound St.
Columbus OH  43215-5121
614-222-2885
http://www.TheOpenShelter.org

The Open Shelter is honored to be a part of #GivingTuesdayNOW, a global day of giving and unity.  As you know, we are living in uncertain times.  The pandemic which currently grips our nation and world has changed our day-to-day routine.  Things such as meeting with friends and family have been put on pause for the time being. 

But thanks to YOU and YOUR Support, we are still OPEN and able to “Stay Behind With Those Left Behind.”  We have reduced hours and are practicing social distancing (such as only allowing six individuals in at a time) to help “flatten the curve” but are still seeing the same amount and in many cases, more men, women and children than before the pandemic hit.

During the first four months of 2020, The Open Shelter has helped 1,510 men, women and children with food, clothing and hygiene items needed to survive.  17,816 sack lunches have been given out, 6,323 ‘to-go’ meals have been distributed in addition to 2,407 instances of clothing assistance and 336 hygiene kits passed out.  Even with COVID-19 and our main focus being on basic needs for those we serve, we have been able to assist 60 payees with money management. 

It is because of YOU that Amanda is able to get food for herself and her children to last through the week.  It is because of YOU that we are able to help Mark get off the streets and into housing.  It is because of YOU that we are able to help Kelly with clothing and hygiene items to stay clean and healthy, especially NOW.  The Open Shelter receives no government funding of any sort.  We are truly “grassroots” and exist solely because of YOU.

In order for The Open Shelter to “Stay Behind With Those Left Behind”, we still need your support.  #GivingTuesdayNOW is a perfect opportunity to show that you still support our mission of helping the most vulnerable in our community — homeless and marginally housed men, women and children especially during this crucial time.  Please DONATE today at this link–  http://theopenshelter.org/donate/. 
For nearly 37 years, The Open Shelter has been there for those who have found nowhere to turn.  Please keep that HOPE & HELP alive.  Thank You.

THE OPEN SHELTER, INC.
61 E. Mound St.
Columbus OH  43215-5121
http://www.TheOpenShelter.org
614-222-2885