Help needed to get shelter in shape

October 17, 2002|by BILL KOHLER

WAYNESBORO, Pa. - The Waynesboro New Hope Shelter is nearing completion but needs help from the community to get the doors open by winter.

Volunteers are needed to help with painting, cleaning, organizing, decorating and minor finishing work, said Violet Schmid, a shelter co-chairperson. People with carpentry skills are also needed to help put up drywall, she said.

Donations are welcome to help pay for supplies, utilities and operating expenses.

Work sessions will be held the next two Saturdays at the shelter at 25 S. Potomac St. from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Several area pizza shops have donated pizzas to feed those who attend the work sessions.

A yard sale will be held both days to help raise money.

The facility serves as an emergency shelter for area residents who are homeless, in transition or "need a hand up, not a handout," Schmid said.

Schmid said many people would be surprised there is a homeless problem in Waynesboro and the surrounding area.

"The shelter is for homeless people, people whose houses have burned, people who have lost their jobs and lost their leases," she said.

She said it has helped a young man who lost everything in a divorce and teenagers who have been turned out by their parents or guardians once they've reached the age of 18.

"We had girls who were sleeping in doorways," Schmid said.

The shelter has received "tremendous support" from the community since its inception several years ago and organizers hope community members can come through again at the work sessions.

New Hope Shelter operates a thrift shop in the basement of the three-story building. Volunteers are needed there as well, Schmid said.

Frank Kocek, chaplain at Penn State Mont Alto campus, is co-chairperson of the shelter.

For more information, contact Schmid at 1-717-762-4800.

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