Announcing $1.1 Million Campaign for Homeless Shelter
Sandusky, OH – Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio announced on June 30, 2017 at a community open house event a $1.1 million campaign to raise the funds needed to pay for renovations of its Sandusky Crossroads Homeless Shelter located at 1843 Superior Street.
Opened in 1999, Crossroads has helped thousands of men, women, families, and veterans who have fallen on hard times. The need for the shelter and services has taken its toll on the building. After thousands of Sandusky neighbors served, 450,000 showers taken, and over 1.3 million meals shared, the facility requires significant renovations in order to continue to serve those in need in Sandusky.
Volunteers of America leadership announced the campaign has reached 52% of its goal, raising $576,000, with support from our local community and State of Ohio. “We wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for all of our generous donors,” said Susan Reamsnyder, Vice President of Housing and longtime leader of the efforts at Sandusky Crossroads.
Many individuals, foundations and others have made early leadership gifts to the campaign including The Cafaro Foundation, all members of the Board of Directors of Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio, and the State of Ohio’s Capital Funding to End Homelessness. Volunteers of America is now seeking help from the community to raise the additional funds needed, with a goal of wrapping up the campaign in June 2018.
“Every person deserves the opportunity to achieve personal well-being,” said Dennis Kresak, Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio President and CEO. “By providing a supportive environment we can build a stronger community by helping the individuals, families and veterans we serve reach their full potential.”
The Crossroads Shelter is more than a safe place to sleep. It offers tools such as employment services, food for the hungry, and emergency rental assistance to help families stay in their homes.
This campaign will allow Crossroads to rebuild high traffic areas of the shelter and grounds, and fund one year of operating and programming expenses. Renovations to the building include upgrades and repairs to all restrooms and showers in the facility, replacing all worn out furniture and fixtures, upgrading the commercial appliances to increase energy savings, building a secure side entrance for added security, and replacing all of the carpeted flooring with tile.
Telamon Construction, Inc., who originally retrofitted the building back in 1999, was awarded the construction contract and began the renovations on May 1 of this year.
Community members are encouraged to sign-up for a tour of the building to learn more about Crossroads and the campaign. Tours take place every Friday at 3:00 p.m. Tour sign-ups can be found at www.voago.org/crossroads.
About Volunteers of
Volunteers of America is a national, non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Through thousands of human services programs, including housing and healthcare, Volunteers of America helps nearly 2 million people across the country – more than 23,000 in Greater Ohio alone.
Established locally in 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered
About Sandusky Crossroads
Since 1999, Crossroads has been open to help the young and elderly, men, women, families, and veterans find their right path to a sustainable life. Crossroads provides supportive services, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, mental health and addiction treatment, and emergency shelter for veterans, families, men and women. More than 5,000 people sought help from Volunteers of America in Erie County, seeking shelter, care, emergency food, and assistance in 2016.