Super Suds Day Gives Avondale Residents Some Relief

If you watch the news in Cincinnati, you've probably seen the story about the Avondale residents living for a week without electricity or water because of their landlord's negligence. What you may not know is that these families are eligible for services under McKinney Vento Legislation because they are living in inadequate housing.

PC's Director, Karen Fessler, jumped into motion on Wednesday taking two staff members to the scene to see how we could help. She discovered many families missing school because they were unable to clean their clothes. She organized a laundry day for those residents and today our staff and volunteers have been at the Super Suds Laundromat helping families (pictured at left: Karen Fessler, Rebeka Beach, Audrey Coaston-Shelton, Sandy Downing, and Rhonda Lewis).

At 2pm residents had done 93 loads of laundry so far! An anonymous donor provided $200 in quarters and FWP provided an additional $200. Many Cincinnati Public School employees from the central office donated detergent, fabric softener, and bleach. This truly has been a team effort!

In addition to helping with laundry, PC staff members are helping students enroll in school and supplying them with other services. Ryan (pictured above)  was able to clean his clothes and is receiving enrollment assistance from Rebeka, PC Adolescent Manager. Amy (pictured below) was able to begin the preschool enrollment process for her daughter with Rhonda's help.

We don't know what the future holds for these residents. It may result in them losing their homes permanently. We are thankful for the opportunity to connect with them and help them, and so grateful for the support of our donors and volunteers.

Grant Warms Children

What takes 4 vehicles to transport; 3 hours to purchase; and 2 months to distribute? 1 very timely grant!

Last week Faces Without Places received a grant from the Weathering the Economic Storm Fund, a partnership of 19 funders, managed by The Greater Cincinnati Foundation. This grant will help FWP outfit over 150 homeless children with warm coats this season and help identify delays or disabilities in children 0-5 who are experiencing homelessness.

We've gotten a start on each of these projects! Our Preschool Screening Program has been implemented at Bethany House already and yesterday we brought over 150 coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and thermals back to the office. We've had families calling for a month looking for a coat-it is so great to be able to deliver one right into their hands instead of making a referral that should (but may not) work out.

We're so grateful for this support from the funders at GCF. Check back to see the impact these dollars have made on the lives of young children experiencing homelessness.