We are a third of the way through the 40 days! Hard to believe it is going so fast… As of today Severe Weather Shelter Network hit the Leader Board with over $500 given. Thank you!
Our goal by Friday, April 19th is $10,000 through 200 givers. You can help us get there!
You may ask why bother. Homelessness is on the rise in our city. Even in the suburbs we are seeing more people experiencing homelessness right where we live. What are we to do about it? Can we do anything about it?
Severe Weather Shelter Network provides emergency shelter on life threatening winter nights. We have done that now for six years with good effect. In that time we have sheltered more than 700 individuals and learned that each one is just like us. They each hold dreams, set goals and make decisions. They, just like us, are finding challenges in each day that sometimes make taking the next step incredibly difficult.
Severe Weather Shelter Network is about Empowering change.
Let me tell you a story about a couple we met four years ago. Matt and Steph are a young couple we have been sheltering for the last four years. When we first met them they were definitely among the entitled youth. They lived by their own rules and didn’t mind breaking ours. They were quite content to receive whatever we gave, and quite content to not give anything in return.
This season has been different. Matt and Steph didn’t stay with us until the middle of the season. I was delighted to see them when they first came in. I noticed a difference almost immediately. They both were so grateful to be in shelter that night. They helped clean up after dinner. They were joking with me and shared that Matt had been working for more than the last six months. Both of them were intentionally seeking help to overcome some pretty big obstacles in their path. I watched Matt refrain from engaging in what could have been a very challenging situation. Like a Mom, I am so proud of these two young people.
What changed for them? They have been loved and held accountable. It is really pretty simple. In a world that is so hard to maneuver, they have been loved, challenged, affirmed, supported, encouraged and EMPOWERED by the volunteers at Severe Weather Shelter Network and our Change The Trend partner organizations.
You have an opportunity to be a part of the empowerment today! Put your HANDS up for Severe Weather Shelter Network by going to 40handsinfortydays.org and be one of 200 individuals to give your gift of $50 or more to help us reach our $10,000 goal.
Want to be part of EMPOWERING change in our community?
- Share this post with 10 of your friends, family and co-workers challenging them to put their HANDS up on behalf of people experiencing homelessness.
- Share a story of your own regarding how empowerment has changed something in your own life.
- Are you a volunteer with Severe Weather Shelter Network? Share a shelter night story that gives an example of empowerment.
When we all work together we are much more likely to achieve our goals. Thank you for taking the time to share with us. Thank you for taking the time to share with a friend.
We look forward to receiving the empowerment that comes from knowing our friends, families and co-workers have their HANDS up on our behalf!
Thank you! You are very appreciated by Severe Weather Shelter Network!