Wooster's Severe Weather Shelter

Guest Author, Wyn Jones • May 10, 2023

Wooster's Severe Weather Shelter

Wooster’s Severe Weather Shelter has wrapped up another successful season having been open 76 nights during the coldest temperatures. This winter, we served 111 different individuals and provided dinner and a safe, dry place to sleep averaging 16.5 guests per night.

This Severe Weather Shelter was, literally, the only place to turn in Wooster this past December 23 and 24 for anyone without adequate heat as wind chills bottomed out at negative 35 degrees Fahrenheit.


Kudos and grateful thanks go out to the many community members and organizations that came together to support this project. Housed temporarily in the Wooster Salvation Army gymnasium, the project is supported by generous donations from several organizations but mostly through private, individual donations from people like you who give targeted donations through the United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties. The United Way, with Executive Director, Katie Koglman at the helm, acts as fiscal agent by collecting and managing the funds, 1099 payroll administration for overnight staff, and expense reimbursements. 

Krista Kidney, until recently Chair of the Wayne County Housing Coalition and an original founder of the project, again provided management oversight along with Salvation Army Majors Tom and Vicki Clark.


For the second year, Wooster Homelessness Task Force member Wyn Jones recruited and managed over 50 community and College of Wooster student volunteers to staff the center and wash shelter linens. Task Force member Janet Burkhart again recruited and managed at least 11 area churches, numerous individuals, and organizations such as the Women’s Service Club of Wayne County, who all generously provided homemade dinners each night for hungry shelter guests.


The story of this shelter’s success reaches throughout our community as various religious and civic groups were inspired to contribute either funds or goods to the cause.

Wooster’s AAUW (American Association of University Women) chose the Severe Weather Shelter as the focus of their annual Christmas holiday event by amassing and donating hundreds of personal toiletry items, warm socks, gloves, long underwear and much more for the guests at the shelter.


Equally impressive, College of Wooster student members of the Wooster Volunteer Network (WVN) held a craft night and made dozens of exceptionally warm, double layer fleece blankets for shelter guests and others in our unsheltered population. C.O.W. students also conducted a clothing drive for shelter guests in need.

Wooster’s Trinity United Church of Christ hosted the Alternative Gift Market in December with gifts sourced from communities worldwide. With entertainment by professional pianist Tom Lugoloobi, donations for the Severe Weather Shelter collected at that market brought in nearly $800.


A group of friends and neighbors went caroling door-to-door in Wooster at Christmastime gathering donations in excess of $1,000 as they sang through the neighborhoods.

Even local artists contributed their talents to an art auction generously hosted by Wooster resident Traci Hanger-Hoffman at her home last year. Local artists displayed their creations in various forms and mediums donating 20% of the auction proceeds to Wooster’s Severe Weather Shelter. 


Finally, producing the single largest donation from a city, religious or civic organization in 2023, the generous congregation of Wooster’s Zion Lutheran Church raised over $3,000.00 in support of this warming shelter.


So again, a heartfelt thanks goes out from the Wooster Homelessness Task Force, the Wayne County Housing Coalition and other contributing agencies, to all of the many volunteers, overnight staff and groups who gave so much of themselves, their time and generous financial support to make this Severe Weather Shelter a reality again this past winter.

 

And we never stop fundraising. Costs go up every year. Please donate to our community warming shelter and keep it going by sending a check made out to United Way of Wayne/Holmes, 215 S. Walnut St. Wooster, Ohio 44691 and writing “Severe Weather Shelter” on the memo line. A donation of $200 will keep up to 26 of our unsheltered guests warm and fed for an entire night.


In addition to a check, concerned citizens can paste this link into their browser to donate: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/united-way-of-wayne-and-holmes-counties-inc/basic-needs?ref=45ce99a0-47ab-46f9-aa4a-0c7a2ee8e8e2.

 

Wyn Jones

Volunteer Coordinator

Wooster Homelessness Task Force

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Just Love: My United Way Wayne & Holmes Journey (Year One) By: Megan Wilson It's hard to believe a year has flown by since I took the plunge and joined the United Way Wayne & Holmes Counties team. This leap into the non-profit world has been more than just a job change; it's been a deeply personal journey of discovery and immense reward. I'm constantly struck by the incredible network of individuals, organizations, and businesses right here in our community, all working tirelessly to uplift the lives of our neighbors. The sheer dedication I see every day is truly inspiring. Before joining the team, I found myself searching for a way to make a real, tangible difference. I explored different paths, but the pull towards a career focused on helping others was undeniable. I yearned for work that resonated with my core values, something that allowed me to contribute to something bigger than myself. That search led me to United Way Wayne & Holmes Counties, an organization whose mission – mobilizing community resources to help people measurably improve their lives and partnering to identify and address pressing needs for long-term, sustainable solutions – spoke directly to my heart. Stepping into this role was, admittedly, a little daunting. My previous fundraising experience peaked with the Parent-Teacher Organization at my kids' elementary school! The scope of the work, coupled with the ambitious goals, made me wonder if I could truly make a difference. But I quickly found myself embraced by an amazing work environment – positive, fun, energetic, and truly uplifting. Our CEO, Katie Koglman, has cultivated a culture of empowerment, and her belief in what we can achieve is contagious. My colleagues have shown me the true meaning of teamwork, proving that together, we're capable of anything. That feeling of empowerment is invaluable. I'm incredibly passionate about the work we do at United Way Wayne & Holmes Counties, especially when it comes to supporting literacy. Programs like Reading Under the Lights and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which we both run and fund, are close to my heart. Providing free books to kids is such a powerful way to ignite a love of reading and set them up for future success. But our commitment to the community goes far beyond just books. Every dollar we raise stays right here in Holmes and Wayne Counties, directly impacting our neighbors and strengthening our community from within. We're not just behind-the-scenes fundraisers; we're actively involved in our communities, working alongside our partners to make a real difference in the lives of those around us.  This past year has been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and connection. I've gained a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our community, but even more importantly, I've witnessed the incredible resilience and generosity of its people. Our work wouldn't be possible without the support of our donors and partners. I'm so grateful to be part of this organization, working alongside such passionate and dedicated individuals. People often ask what we do. We're more than just fundraisers; we're connectors, unifiers, and problem-solvers, supporting vital services that strengthen our community. I'm excited to see what the next year brings and the continued positive impact we'll make together in Wayne and Holmes Counties. I absolutely Just, Love everything about my last year!
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