THUNDER BAY -- A higher demand on services created in part because of the May floods means Shelter House Thunder Bay will need residents to dig deeper into their pockets this holiday season.
The annual holiday fundraising campaign for the Shelter House was kicked off at a news conference Thursday. The Shelter House set a fundraising goal of $200,000, which is an increase from last year’s goal of $160,000.
Executive Director Patty Hajdu said she knows that there’s a lot of strain put on the community during this time of the year as other organization begin their holiday fundraising campaigns but she felt optimistic that they could meet that goal.
She said they are seeing more demand in part because of the May floods.
“I think there is strain on this community in terms of fundraising but I do believe that we have enough to go around,” Hajdu said.
“Our services have increased so our need for resources increases. We have more people who were forced out of their lower rent accommodations and there’s none of that available. People’s basements aren’t finished yet and smaller bachelor type apartments aren’t ready. So we’re seeing people having much longer stays with us while they try to find accommodations.”
The Shelter House used to provide more than 400 meals a day but in just a year that has increased to 515 meals.
The Shelter House also offers 62 beds and an additional 15 beds through a substance abuse management project.
Hajdu said all those beds are filled.
“We have a vacancy rate of 1.1 per cent, so you can imagine finding secure housing in the community if you’re homeless is next to impossible,” she said. “You may as well have a zero per cent vacancy rate.”
Melissa Deschamps knows firsthand how Shelter House can help someone through a difficult time. She had turned to Shelter House for help five years ago but decided to volunteer as a way to give something back.
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I believe the services are very much needed at the Shelter House,” Deschamps said. “I have grown as a person and I went through a lot of issues. I didn’t have my child. He was in foster care. I moved here, I got into low-income housing, and I gradually got my child back. Shelter House helped me lead a cleaner life. The Shelter House is there for everyone that needs it.”
Deschamps said all the donations and time people spend at the Shelter House is very appreciated and needed.
Anyone who wishes to donate to Shelter House can do so by visiting the facility on George Street or any TD Canada Trust locations, going online or by phone at 623-8182.
