CREOKS Health Services’ Post

As the snow falls outside, let's take a moment to reflect on the stark reality faced by those experiencing homelessness during this winter storm. For many, preparing for a snowstorm means securing shelter, warmth, and provisions. But for those without homes, it's a chilling struggle for survival against the elements. Each snowflake serves as a reminder of the biting cold and the constant battle for warmth. The latest statistics show that the homeless rate is expected to rise for the third year in a row. Despite efforts, the number of individuals facing homelessness continues to increase, exacerbated by the ongoing effects of the pandemic and rising living costs. As you cozy up indoors, consider the impact you can make in the lives of those less fortunate. Your donations can provide vital support to our Homeless Outreach Team, enabling them to connect vulnerable individuals with essential resources, offering shelter, compassion, and dignity. Click the link to make a donation to our Homeless Outreach Services Campaign: https://bit.ly/3SiGct3 #FightHomelessness #WinterSurvival #MakeADifference

In 2023, we served 4,053 meals to our youth. Every night, we make delicious, hot meals before our evening programs. This is because many of our youth grow up (and still are) food insecure. In other words, they aren’t always sure where they’re next meal is coming from. Take 5 seconds to imagine that. When we’re concerned about our survival, it’s harder to make positive choices. Help us help our youth: www.JiffYouth.org/donate ___ JIFF: Juvenile Intervention and Faith-Based Follow Up #JIFF #JiffYouth

The Salvation Army in Johnson City, Tennessee is another homeless resource that is certainly not "Doing the Most Good" for the homeless despite concerns raised consistently, including: - Running out of "snack bags" aka P & J "meals (minus the Nutrigrain bars most recently left out of these sparse snack / meals. - No hand warmers at all during the weekends and holidays as they are "locked up" in the Day Center (closed on weekends and holidays as previously noted). - Restricting access to the Park on the property and enforcing "no camping" citation. - "White Flag" (below avg. temps nightly shelter) consists of 11:00 p.m. no exist / no smoking and 6:00 a m. wake-up and exist the premises by 6:15 a.m. FYI: No "White Flag " tonight at the Johnson City, TN Salvation Army: Rain showers this evening with mostly cloudy conditions overnight. Low 28F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. - The Weather Channel. Those are the main and most bothersome concerns I have only because they are consistent and /or are not in the "Doing the Most Good" ; ) As person that has experienced homelessness as a child, teenager and also as an adult, the residents and private / non-profit organizations are not the most sensitive citizens / businesses I have encountered (i.e., not being very a hospitable or charitable environment for the homeless or indignant.) Time to make some serious improvements in our humanitarian efforts here!!

Overnight lows are consistently falling well below the freezing point, City Union Mission has seen a swell in the number of homeless families and individuals seeking safe beds, nutritious food and warm clothing. Since October 1st we have had 765 individuals sleep in one of our beds and 65 commit to a long-term program. As tragic as that is, when they come through our doors it allows us to offer them the guidance, training, and services they need to rebuild their lives and return healed and whole to their communities. We aren’t just feeding their stomach; we want to help feed their souls. The Mission is less than 2 weeks from the end of our Celebrate Hope annual campaign, which began October 1st and runs through January 31st. During this time, we seek community support to raise half of our annual budget. We have $2 million left to raise to meet our $8.5 million goal. We are in a serious financial shortfall which could have a direct impact on our operations and guest services in the next 4 to 6 months. We are asking this compassionate community to rally together to help us meet our goal before the January 31st deadline. If you could consider providing an additional financial gift whether it may be $25, $50, or $100 on top of your normal giving, it would have a significant impact due to this financial crisis. Please click the link to donate https://lnkd.in/gY7MwF3W. Hope beyond homelessness. BE THE ANSWER.

It's one of our favorite times of year - time to pack up our Thanksgiving Meals for families in need! So far this year, we have *doubled* the number of families we have been able to support this holiday season since last year. That incredible milestone is in HUGE part thanks to our incredible team, our volunteers, our clients, and all who support Flourish. Today our team began packing up dozens of Thanksgiving Meals, and then worked on delivering a number of them to the families of Title 1 school children in the metro area. We are deeply honored to have this opportunity and ability to walk alongside these individuals and families who are experiencing food insecurity to uplift them and allow them the joy of enjoying an abundant Thanksgiving. Some of our beneficiaries have been victims of horrific tragedy, unexpected job loss, or major illness - some are hardworking dual income households who simply are struggling to make ends meet right now, and some are single parents supporting families on a single paycheck in a difficult economy. The thing that each of our beneficiaries this year have in common is that they are all incredibly resilient humans who we are privileged to call neighbors. Whatever their story, Flourish is deeply honored to be a small part of it this Thanksgiving. If you would still like to contribute and help us expand our reach even further as we combat the affordable housing crisis, food insecurity and homelessness - please consider making a donation here:  https://lnkd.in/ghWYS7m2 #poweredbyflourish #flourishalliance #holtmanhomes #atxsellsgroup #umphressgroup #rooresidential #thanksgivingmeals #thanksgivingdonation #feedingthechildren #nohungrychild #flourish #austin #denver #fortcollins #coloradosprings #castlerock #boulder #uplift #bethechange #donate #501c3

As many of you know, I became a board member of Raphael House SF this past year. Many of you don't know that I found myself homeless as a teenager, an experience that impacted me on so many levels. An experience I want to help ensure no other child has to endure. I realize that everyone has opinions on the homeless crisis, but I think the one thing that we can all agree on is that the streets are no place for our children or our youth. Raphael House's mission is to keep families together and safe when facing or experiencing homelessness; without organizations like Raphael House, families would have to separate to be in other shelters or remain on the streets. A terrifying ordeal for everyone involved, but especially for the kids. Now the ask.... Raphael House SF is facing the possibility of closure. While the go-forward plan is solid, we must bridge an immediate gap. Any size donation would be greatly appreciated. The link is listed below. I am also reposting the official campaign for anyone interested in learning more about this wonderful organization that I am so proud to be a part of. https://lnkd.in/gcAR2D2N Call to Action! Our shelter and vital family services are at risk. Join us in securing a brighter future for homeless families. Every contribution counts. Since our founding, Raphael House has provided over 20,000 individuals with personalized family-centered solutions to build brighter, independent futures. On average, 90% of the families we serve in our Residential Shelter achieve stable housing, and 93% maintain that stability long-term through our Bridge Program. This past year, we served: - 338 children with direct services through our Residential Shelter and Bridge programs - 58 families in our Bridge case management services - 12,372 meals to families in our shelter Without increased funding, we are at risk of closing, leaving families experiencing homelessness without the support they’ve been providing for over 52 years. \Learn more on how to help by visiting raphaelhouse.org/sos #RaphaelHouseSF #SaveOurShelter #CommunitySupport

People like Paul, experiencing homelessness in this heat, found refuge at the Mission. Paul shared that the hardest part of experiencing homelessness this summer is “the heat. Period." Learn 7 ways you can help your neighbors in need in this increasingly hotter weather.   1️⃣ DONATE BOTTLED WATER We’ll have it in our building and also pass it out on the streets to keep people hydrated. 2️⃣ MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION Instead of handing out money to someone, consider donating to nonprofits who serve those experiencing homelessness. 3️⃣ DONATE NONPERISHABLE FOOD Food is often in short supply at shelters during this time of year, so consider a donation of canned goods or other nonperishable food items. 4️⃣ GIVE TOILETRY ITEMS Travel-sized toiletry items (alcohol-free!) and things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors, soap, and lotion are always needed. 5️⃣ EMPOWER PEOPLE TO GET OUT OF THE HEAT Extreme heat can be very dangerous, and a place to cool down is very important. Point them to Nashville Rescue Mission or other day services in the area.  6️⃣ VOLUNTEER Give the gift of your time. Volunteer to serve meals to your community. 7️⃣ BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR If you see someone in need, check on them. Offer a bottle of water or other resources. Learn how to distinguish if someone is experiencing a heat stroke, and if it’s an emergency, call 911. Thank you for continuing to support the Mission through seasons of extreme cold and extreme heat. Our neighbors need our help! ❤️

OurCalling, a 501c3 non-profit that supports and uplifts the #homeless population in Dallas, is opening an #emergencyshelter due to the cold temperatures this weekend. The shelter can hold 900+ homeless to protect them from potentially fatal temperatures. Here's What You Need To Know: --Fair Park's Grand Place will open at 3pm today, January 12th, for intake. --The shelter can accommodate approximately 900 cots. --OurCalling will run the day-to-day operations of the shelter by providing meals, security, and guest care. --Our Search & Rescue teams will be traveling around Dallas looking to connect with those who are still stuck in the freezing weather. Here's How You Can Help: --GIVE: Financial donations allow us to respond to the ever-changing needs of this emergent situation.  --FOLLOW: We will post updates on everything happening at the shelter throughout the next week on our social media pages. Click the links below or search @ourcalling on your favorite social platform.  --REPORT: Download the OurCalling app and click on "Identify" to submit the location of an individual who needs emergency shelter. (See link to press release in comments.)

‘’Before coming to Lighthouse, it was hard to feel safe.’’ Like many young people who come to Lighthouse, Olivia was living in an unsafe home and witnessed domestic violence. Mental health issues amongst children and young people are on the rise. Family violence has increased, and the higher cost of living and housing crisis is pushing more children, young people and families to the brink of homelessness. With the therapeutic care and homes that Lighthouse provide, young people who have experienced trauma and abuse can begin their healing process. Regular donations to Lighthouse Foundation ensure that our life-changing programs can continue and that more young people who’ve experienced trauma and homelessness can begin to heal and thrive. Become a regular giver, today. • $10 can provide a toiletry pack full of essential items including sanitary and dental products • $25 can provide fresh groceries to make nutritious, comforting meals in our homes • $50 can contribute to the cost of group therapy to help our young people process the trauma of homelessness Visit https://lnkd.in/gvjktMJY to donate and make a difference today. #EndYouthHomelessness #YouthHomelessnessMatters

As we move into the summer months and the temperatures rise, so does the struggle for many families facing poverty or homelessness. ☀️💛Summer months often bring an increase in hunger, exacerbated by fewer meals with school being out and a decrease in donations. Read more on how you can help combat hunger at City Mission and what you can do to help.