Another year, another Healthy Homes campaign.
ShelterCare's annual effort to engage the community in helping us maintain, repair and improve its nine housing facilities in Eugene and Springfield first started in 2013. During that time, individual and business supporters have helped the organization ensure these properties (which total more than 300 bedrooms and apartments and serve more than 1,350 individuals per year) are clean, comfortable and worry free places to live.
We cannot help our clients without the community's broad-based support. In that spirit, the organization attempted its first foray into the world of online crowd funding. Through that Start Some Good campaign, supporters helped ShelterCare raised $3,374 toward the purchase of approximately 11 new bed frames, mattresses and mattress covers to provide a comfortable place to sleep for clients moving into new apartments in its programs.
We are grateful to the business sponsors who stepped up in a big way. The National Association of Women in Construction (Eugene Chapter) contributed an assortment of household items, ranging from bedding to bathroom supplies. These high quality items will withstand steady use and frequent washing, and are a clear investment in new beginnings for ShelterCare clients.
Innovative Air, Inc. and GMD Electric teamed up to donate and install a new air conditioner at Shankle Residence in Springfield. As part of the Supported Housing Program, the Shankle Residence houses 16 adults with mental illness who are recovering from chronic homelessness.
The conditioner was installed in the kitchen area. Now, improved air circulation will reduce the impact of moisture build up and heat, and protect the food — saving money and resources.
ShelterCare continued our partnership with Sherwin Williams for the third year. The business is scheduled to paint exterior sections of ShelterCare's Family Housing Program property. During the first Healthy Homes campaign, Sherwin Williams painted a conference room for the agency as well as the exterior of the Uhlhorn Program apartments (which houses and supports adults with traumatic brain injuries). Last year, the company painted portions of the agency's Garden Place property (a secured residential facility).
Contractors Electric has also contributed its time and resources, and is in the process of helping us set up safety lighting at our Family Housing Program. They have also contributed expertise to our meeting space shelter project at Shankle Residence in Springfield, a project funded during our 2014 Healthy Homes Campaign.
Finally, the agency is appreciative of Elk Horn Brewery's month-long support. During April, Elk Horn contributed proceeds from the sales of one of its tap beers.
These types of innovative partnerships help ShelterCare to continue its work in the community. Thank you to all who contributed! Until next year…