Shelter struggling

By Gracie Hart
Review Staff Writer
Published: August 7, 2008

Sheltering Arms Homeless Shelter in Orange County is struggling as they are experiencing a shortfall in the $20,000 needed each month to operate the shelter.
“The shelter costs an awful lot to operate,“ said Sheltering Arms’ former Board Chair Wanda Apperson.  “The county provides the free building only.“
Usually, a fourth of the money needed to operate the shelter is provided by grants and the rest is provided by donations.  However, from May to September the shelter receives no grants and must rely solely on donations.  But with problems in the economy also comes a decline in donations.
“Economic times are not so good,“ said Apperson.  “I believe there has been a decline in donations.  [The shelter] just did an email plea with churches to keep the water on.“
Area churches provide a lot of the donations, and along with area restaurants, usually provide at least one meal each month for the residents.
“A few churches and other groups will bring dinner in, serve it and eat with the residents,“ said Sheltering Arms Director Mary Lee Hensel.  “It’s nice.“
It’s not just meals and money that are needed however.  The shelter provides beds, showers and other items to residents.
“Anything you would need for your home, they need,“ said Apperson.
Sheltering Arms also provides classes in parenting, nutrition and domestic violence as well as assistance with job searches and signing up for available benefits.
“Residents have a 9 p.m. curfew unless their job requires them to work later,“ said Hensel.  “They must get a job, everyone has chores and we offer anything needed for them to get back on their feet.“
People come to the shelter for different reasons with some having been burned out of their homes, spouses having ended up in jail and some escaping domestic violence.
“Currently, the shelter has 24 residents, 11 of which are children,“ said Hensel.  “This is an increase from past years.“
Those wishing to assist the shelter and its residents can do so in various ways.
“Call, stop by, take a tour, volunteer or cook a meal,“ encourages Hensel.  “We are also raffling off a Puccini Vera Bradley bag with a wallet and wristlet which is valued at $135.“
Tickets for the bag are $2 each or three tickets for $5 and can be purchased at Sheltering Arms or from any of the shelter’s board members.  The drawing will be held Oct. 4 with all proceeds benefiting the shelter.
Also, the shelter’s board of directors is looking for new members.
“We need someone to replace our treasurer and we need someone who is experienced with fundraising,“ said Apperson.
Sheltering Arms is located in Orange on Madison Road and can also be contacted at (540) 672-6210.