You are helping someone like Michelle

Imagine sleeping outside every night, vulnerable and alone. That was Michelle’s reality after losing her husband and her home.

“I was by myself on the street. Who wants to be on the street period — you know, by yourself — but it’s even worse as a woman,” she shared.

Fear, hunger, and the struggle to survive consumed her days.

Thankfully, Michelle found safety, support, and a path to recovery at the ECS Community Harm Reduction Team (C-HRT) Safe Haven. For the first time in years, she had a warm bed, meals, and people who cared about her.

“A safe place to sleep is a big thing and having people around that can check on you. At my age, I’m 66, I have some medical problems, so it’s always nice to have concerned people that will be there if anything happens,” said Michelle.

You can help neighbors like Michelle by giving a financial gift today. Every gift made up to $5,000 will be matched!

Because of C-HRT Safe Haven, Michelle has a roof over her head and a supportive community that believes in her.

“If I went back out on the street again, my life probably would have been much different. I probably would have been
using drugs more, so I might be dead by now… you want a nice bed where you’re warm, you have your own bathroom,
you can appreciate just being clean.”

Michelle’s transformation shows what’s possible with safe housing and the compassion of people like you.

The compassion shown by your gift will transform the lives of children and adults across all ECS Programs that address our community's most pressing challenges, including homelessness, mental health, substance use disorders, and early childhood education. 

Thank you for being a catalyst for change in so many lives. Your support makes a difference!