Area Homeless Need Help!

Dec 17, 2009

Economic Conditions Leave Homeless in the Cold

Food and clothing pantries at Positive Avenues in Eau Claire and Off the Square Club in Madison are bare.  Early sub-zero temperatures for the month of December coupled with the lack of donations has Lutheran Social Services' staff concerned about those who are on the margins of society both of these cities.  Positive Avenues and Off the Square Club serve on average 50 adults with serious and persistent mental illness, as well as those who are homeless.  However with the recent decline in temperatures that number is increasing.  

It's suspected that difficult economic conditions that have lead to higher unemployment have contributed to the downturn in donations.  Program supervisor Jane de Roussan says, "We usually have a good supply of coats, hats, gloves, and food at this point in the winter.  When donors don't get raises at work, have salary cuts, or lose their jobs, contributions for the homeless decline."  

Positive Avenues is funded by Eau Claire County, the United Way, and the LSS Foundation.  Off the Square Club is funded in part by the United Way, Dane County, the City of Madison and local churches.  However, these sources together provide just over half the budget needed to run the drop in center.  LSS relies on in-kind contributions and financial support from donors to serve the homeless.

Your immediate assistance is needed in providing:

• Food (canned goods, bakery items, gift cards for food)
• Clothing (coats, scarves, hats, gloves, mittens, long johns)
• Toiletries (Shampoo, lotion, soap, combs, tooth brushes & paste)
• Personal Items (decks of cards, board games, pocket calendars, etc)
• Furniture (Love seats, end tables, lamps, area rugs, book shelves, lockable steel cabinets)

Items may be dropped off at the following locations Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

• Eau Claire-- 618 South Barstow, Eau Claire, WI 54701. 
  Questions? Call (715) 835-3816.
• Madison -- 4 North Hancock Street, Madison, WI  53703. 
  Questions? Call (608) 251-6901.

Volunteers are also needed to play cards, chat, serve meals, and lead art, music, and poetry groups.  Professionals are sought to provide voluntary legal assistance, resume building, nutrition programs, and financial education.

Financial support for the program is also needed toward staffing, rent, utilities, and food budgets.  Donations may be made online by clicking here.   

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