ACCESS Shelter, Inc., Northeast Ohio’s homeless shelter for women and children, is inviting sixth- to eighth-grade students to participate in its upcoming Learn Give Lead: Youth Impact Day, Saturday, April 18, at the shelter, 230 W. Market St. During the day, the students will have the opportunity to practice leadership skills through community involvement and service—all … [Read more...]
Jewelry Box fundraiser for ACCESS homeless shelter features more than 25,000 pieces
ACCESS, Inc., Akron’s homeless shelter for women and children, is set for its fourth-annual fundraiser The Jewelry Box, presented by Fred Martin Superstore and FirstEnergy Foundation, with more jewelry donated than ever before. The popular, community-wide jewelry sale will take place at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Akron - Fairlawn, 3150 W. Market St., on Saturday, Nov. … [Read more...]
United Way of Summit County merges with Info Line for 2-1-1, Housing Services
United Way of Summit County has begun offering 2-1-1 and Housing Services following its merger with Info Line, Inc., effective July 1. The newly integrated staffs of United Way and Info Line will occupy United Way’s new facility at 37 N. High St. in downtown Akron later this summer. Though the Info Line name will not be used going forward, United Way says it has made a … [Read more...]
Akron Community Foundation awards $3.3 million in grants
Competitive grants meet pressing health and human services needs Akron Community Foundation has announced $3.3 million in grants to support programs that enhance the quality of life of area residents. Nearly $500,000 of those grants will benefit local health and human services organizations, including those focused on addiction recovery and prevention, homelessness, and … [Read more...]
Family Promise needs holiday volunteers for Day Center
Family Promise, which provides shelter, food, job assistance and many other resources for local families facing homelessness, is need of holiday volunteers for its Day Center. Those interested may contact Pauline at (330) 253-8081. Here are the days and times needed. Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, Nov. 23 (all day or in shifts) – 8 to 11 a.m.; 11a.m. to 2 … [Read more...]
Valor Home finds shelter for hundreds of area veterans facing homelessness
Gregory Kirklin, Sr. stands in front of eight veterans in a meeting room at Valor Home in South Akron. Kirklin is teaching a writing class at the shelter for homeless veterans. “Homeless is what we are but not who we are,” said Kirklin, 61, reading a poem he wrote to the group. Kirklin, an Army veteran, spent time at Freedom House, a similar veterans’ homeless shelter in … [Read more...]
Second Chance store, village offers sanctuary, opportunities for area homeless
Numerous displaced members of the community call the Second Chance Store and Village home. Being both a retail store and a shelter for people facing homelessness, the property is run like a business and a small community, as members live in tents and must follow property rules along with a code of respect and hard work. Most importantly, this operation offers people the … [Read more...]
Akron Snow Angels spread warmth to area homeless population
The caravan pulls up next to Grace Park, each vehicle serving as a station for different supplies to help equip the area homeless for the cold winter ahead. One man, among a group walking over from the Haven of Rest shelter, expresses his appreciation and yells out to the others: “Let’s go get our blessings.” The Akron Snow Angels kicked off a new season of giving, handing … [Read more...]
Jewelry Box event benefits ACCESS homeless shelter for women, children
The Jewelry Box charity jewelry sale will feature more than 10,000 pieces of costume jewelry available for $5 per piece Community members have donated more than 10,000 pieces of jewelry to ACCESS homeless shelter for women and children. The jewelry will be cleaned and sold for a community-wide sale Nov. 5, which will benefit the shelter. The Jewelry Box: Gems of … [Read more...]
Homeless homeowner seeks help making house livable
Ryan Scanlon is a homeless homeowner. After years of panhandling, he saved enough money to purchase a house, but a number of repairs are still needed in order for the building to be inhabitable. So, he’s still homeless, sleeping in local shelters, abandoned buildings, park benches, even empty elevators, while his house sits vacant, awaiting renovation. Of primary importance … [Read more...]