Hannah's Socks • warm feet, warm hearts

After touring the facilities last week I have a deeper understanding about what they do. They offer a program called Ready For Life to help their guests become independent. This program addresses the personal needs of their guest (I love that they call them guests) by developing an individualized care program to help transform their lives from homeless to independence. Cherry Street has a success rate of 74%.

I had the pleasure of meeting one of the men who is soon to graduate from the program! Their Monroe Street Facility and Sparrow's Nest provide shelter and and life-changing programs to men and women. The mission is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and feeds about 700 meals a day to men, women and children. They are the only shelter in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan that serves 3 meals a day, 7 days a week! Since they are privately funded they need all of our help.

Here are some statistics that I found amazing: From Cherry Street's annual report for 2007: On any given night an average of 163 men stay at Cherry Street. In 2007, donations helped provide 47,004 nights of shelter to men who were looking for a place to sleep and in many cases to heal. Also in 2007, your gifts helped the Sparrow's Nest provide 13,992 nights of shelter for an average of 40 homeless women a night, as well as an opportunity for a changed life!

The Ready For Life Program in 2007 helped 76 men and 55 women begin to find their way back from homelessness to independence. Your generosity made a difference in their lives, their families' lives and in the greater community. Cherry Street Mission also served a total of 225,541 meals prepared and served by loving volunteers. Free health care is available also!

Here is another incredible number: In 2007, a total of 297,249 pounds of clothing were donated! Many families received furniture and household items too! If you are wondering where the support goes it is reported that 68% goes to program services, 23% goes into development and only 9% is administrative. Who supports Cherry Street Mission? Well 74% is from individuals like me and you! I know that Dan and the staff appreciates everyone for making life a little better for our neighbors in need. I hate to think where our homeless neighbors would be without The Cherry Street Mission.