Good day,
I wanted to reach out and thank all our community partners and ask you to please extend my gratitude to your staff and many, many volunteers. You opened your hearts and shelters to provide our most vulnerable population, a hot meal, and a warm place to sleep. This is such a gift, especially over the Christmas holidays. You took time away from your family and loved ones, to help those in need. It sure was cold!
I also want to extend my appreciation to our CWS spokesperson, Vicki Walker, from Hyde Park United Methodist Church, for talking with so many news outlets over the multi-day activation. Her team was also interviewed and even our newest partners joining last week, Church of God of Prophecy, did an amazing job on Bay News 9.
Every volunteer and guest I talked to was so kind and grateful to give, grateful to receive.
Together you provided 1,204 nights assistance to more than 300 individuals. With wind chill dipping in the 20’s and 30’s, that would have been detrimental sleeping outdoors or places unfit for human habitation.
I look forward to working with you and your organizations as needed throughout the winter. Also, wishing each of you and your friends and family, a happy and healthy new year.
Please feel free to provide feedback so, we can continue to support our community partners, and provide the best experience to those both providing and needing a warm place on a cold night.
Kind regards,
Julie Watkinson
Community Relations Coordinator
Department of Homeless and Community Services