As 2010 comes upon us, I am pleased to share with you some wonderful news. This season, thanks to the ongoing efforts of our volunteers, and to a generous grant from The Jewish Fund, H.O.P.E. Hospitality & Warming Center was able to open the doors of its winter emergency shelter in Pontiac on November 27th--more than a month earlier than in years previous! Additionally, the shelter will remain open as late into the month of April as possible, amounting to a 60% expansion of our operating season.

What does this mean for our community? Each evening that HOPE operates, it is able to provide meals, showers, dry clothing, a warm place to sleep, nurse visits, rapid-rehousing assistance, service referrals, and more for up to sixty-five people struggling with homelessness. This winter alone, we have the capacity to provide up to 10,000 nights of accommodation.

While HOPE's program expansion is certainly worth celebrating, we must keep in mind that the need for emergency food and shelter services in our area is rapidly increasing. Since opening our doors just one month ago, HOPE has already served 115 individuals over 1,100 nights of service. HOPE is the only option for many in our community to find refuge from the cold, as it is the only emergency shelter in the area that does not limit the amount of time a person can access its services, and has a commitment to never turn away any person in need.

In these difficult times, I am reaching out to you with the hope that you will join me in contributing what you are able, in order to ensure that the critical emergency services HOPE provides will continue to be available to all who may need them. I also ask that you take a few minutes to share this message with your family, friends, and associates. It is up to us, the members of our community, to take care of one-another in our times of need.

To give you some idea, an annual contribution of $365--a dollar a day--allows HOPE to provide a person with food, shelter, and supportive services for an entire three weeks of winter. $150 provides the resources to assist someone for a whole week. Even $50 keeps someone warm and fed for a couple nights.

Please take a moment, and consider making a contribution through Network for Good, at a level that works for you. HOPE also accept checks mailed to HOPE Hospitality & Warming Center, P.O. Box 431548, Pontiac, MI 48343.

Whether or not you are able to make a donation, please pass this message along and reach out to others in our community. Join our Facebook Cause, and invite your friends to join you in supporting this important effort. Have a birthday coming up? Click here to make a wish that will help those in your community who need it most.

I sincerely thank you for your generosity. Every little bit you give of yourself really does help to create a better world for all of us.