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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Susan Odiseos The Interfaith Community Shelter Group 505 471-1187 / 505 603-6600 ________________________________________________________________________ SANTA FE RESPONDS TO NEEDS OF HOMELESS COMMUNITY New Guidelines Set for Donations Santa Fe, N.M. – November 14, 2008 – The Interfaith Community Shelter Group, a coalition of church, synagogue and mosque members, and non-profit organizations, opened its doors at 1601 St. Michael’s Drive to shelter men, women and children last Saturday. According to organizers of the group, the response from those needing a place to stay and the outpouring of generosity from Santa Feans has been most positive. On Thursday night, 41 individuals, including three children, were greeted by volunteers who welcomed them with a place to put their limited belongings, a hearty meal and a place to rest for the night. During the week, caring citizens have called with offers to volunteer and contribute the myriad of items needed to run the program. Susan Odiseos, chairperson of the group, said “We’re pleased with our early success, but have quickly recognized our limitations for accepting and storing items generously given by city residents. Effective immediately, so we can focus on our mission of sheltering, all donors of clothing and non-perishable food items are requested to deliver their contributions to Faith at Work at 3204 A Mercantile Court – 505 471-6323. We’re delighted to team up with this group that has the know-how and the space to handle the items that are being donated.” Angela Merkert, executive director of Faith at Work, said “We’re happy to provide this service and welcome volunteers who might like to join us in processing the goods that people will be bringing to Faith at Work on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12 and 3:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon.”
The concept of a winter overflow shelter program for women and children emanated from the Interfaith Leadership Alliance, a local group of clergy leaders, and last year 15 church and synagogue groups began a round robin of hosting homeless women and children at the various houses of faith. 2008-09 marks the 10th consecutive winter that St. Elizabeth Shelter has operated an overflow shelter for those who cannot be accommodated at their facility, with its capacity of 22 beds for men, six for women and four for members of a family. The program that now includes men, women and children operates under the umbrella of the Interfaith Community Shelter Group, working closely with St. Elizabeth Shelter, a 501 (c) (3), which serves as the fiscal agent for the group’s efforts. This winter’s program is being funded by the City of Santa Fe, the Frost Foundation, the faith community, other foundations and individuals who have expressed their concern for those who are homeless, the majority of whom grew up in Santa Fe until circumstances caused them to be without a roof over their heads. Financial support can be given by making out checks to St. Elizabeth Shelter, with the notation “Interfaith Community Shelter” in the memo section and sent to 804 Alarid Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505. According to the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness, more than 60% of the homeless population is originally from Santa Fe. In each of the last two years, 25 people have died here for reasons directly or indirectly related to homelessness. From August through October of this year, 630 children and youth from ages 0 to 21 have been identified as homeless by the Santa Fe Public Schools’ iAdelante! Program, with more referrals coming in daily. Last year, 588 bed nights were provided for women and children by the Interfaith Community Shelter Group, and the number is expected to grow this year with greater efforts planned to reach those who are homeless, and because economic conditions, including job loss, rising food, medical and fuel costs, are causing more people to lose their housing. For more information about volunteering at the shelter or for making donations, please call 471-1187. The mission of the Interfaith Community Shelter Group is to provide shelter for individuals, including children, who would otherwise find themselves living on the street. The participating faith communities will ensure both a warm, safe environment and hearty meals, showing respect and dignity for those we serve by listening and caring. We will advocate for them and provide links to services for those who need and desire assistance to bolster their self-confidence and support them in their efforts to attain or return to self-sufficiency as productive members of society. |
