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1988 to serve severely mentally-disabled, homeless adults and
has increased its services to provide drug rehabilitation.
MHS Program Manager Cathleen
Alexander
said the center emphasizes housing as a priority because it
provides a sense of security and enables the women to address
other reasons that lead to homelessness. There is no limit on
stay, and in partnership with Cleveland’s five other shelters
every person in need is taken care of.
Alexander said there is an increased demand for bilingual staff
and staff because there has been an influx of non-English
speaking residents. “We are in need of Spanish speaking
volunteers,” she said.
Alexander encourages anyone at the brink of homelessness to call
211 in Cuyahoga County or contact the United Way. “It is much
easier to prevent homelessness than to wait till the person has
lost everything,” she said.
The benefit was planned to raise awareness and funds for
renovations at the shelter. Susan Neth, MHS Executive
Director said the improved building facilities would allow the
shelter to provide more services, such as GED tutoring,
employment workshops. “The goal tonight is not just to raise
money but also to gain friends,” she said. Neth estimates nearly
270 guests attended and mingled at the venue donated by
Councilman Matt Zone’s office and the Detroit Shoreway
Community Development Project.
Wendy Johns
coordinates volunteers at the shelter and welcomes groups
interested in providing meals and hygiene products. “Anything
from deodorants, shampoos, to African American hair care
products; because we serve a large African American populations
and using the wrong products can be devastating,” she said.
Angeline
Sulak joined MHS two months ago and said the center
immediately makes all feel immediately at home. “We are very
client oriented and focus on making the client comfortable and
safe; MHS’s program really is innovative way,” she said.
The
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio estimates
21,811 individuals in Cuyahoga County are homeless at some time
during the year, and 8,070 of those homeless individuals had a
severe mental illness.
For more information about the shelter call: (216) 623-6555 or
visit:
http://www.mhs-inc.org |
