Otsego County, MI - We are writing to share some critical news about the work Karing Home Youth Project (KHYP) and The Refuge are doing together in Otsego County. Our two organizations have long been dedicated to serving the homeless populations in our community—KHYP focusing on individuals aged 18-25 and The Refuge providing support to people of all ages. Today, we are excited to announce a new partnership aimed at raising awareness of the growing challenges faced by homeless individuals in our area and the increasing strain on our resources.
To donate or get involved, please visit KHYP’s Donation Page or The Refuge’s Donation Page. Every contribution, whether time or money, helps us continue our mission of supporting the homeless in Otsego County.
Homelessness in Otsego County is a complex and urgent issue. The young adults we serve at KHYP, as well as the diverse individuals and families of all ages who turn to The Refuge for help, face significant obstacles daily. These challenges include finding stable housing, accessing mental health care, securing employment, and obtaining basic necessities like food and clothing. With winter approaching, the need for support is more critical than ever.
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the resources we have at our disposal are being stretched to their limits. Our community programs, emergency shelters, and outreach services are struggling to keep up with the rising demand. The reality is that without increased community support, we may not be able to continue providing the same level of assistance to those who need it most.
As the colder months rapidly approach, we face an overwhelming reality: Otsego County's homeless population is growing, and the resources available to support them are running dangerously low. Both The Karing Home Youth Project (KHYP) and The Refuge in Otsego County have been dedicated to offering refuge and support to those in our community without stable housing. Still, the need is far outpacing our current capacity.
The winter season is always a critical time for the vulnerable people we serve. For the young adults at KHYP and the diverse individuals and families who rely on The Refuge, the challenges are immense—finding warmth, food, mental health care, and even basic shelter becomes a daily struggle. With your support, we've been able to provide essential services and safe spaces, but now, more than ever, we need your help to ensure that no one is left out in the cold this winter.
The situation is dire. The need is great, but our funding is limited. Without community action and financial support, we cannot continue to offer the services so desperately needed by our community's most vulnerable.
We are launching a series of events to raise awareness and rally the community around this pressing issue. Starting with the Soup For Hope Fundraiser on Monday, October 28, and continuing with our Kamp for a Kause Sleep Out on November 8 and the Community Conversation on Homelessness on November 14, we ask our community to stand with us. These events are not just opportunities to donate but to come together, learn, and make a real impact in the fight against homelessness in Otsego County.
But we can’t do it without you. Here’s how you can help:
Become a Sponsor: Support our efforts by sponsoring one or more upcoming events. Your sponsorship will go directly towards keeping our shelters open and providing vital services to those in need. Showcase your support with a sign with your logo or your organization's name at our events and receive a special feature in our Supporter Wrap-Up for 2024 in The Weekly Choice. Raising awareness while helping your neighbor is the gift that keeps on giving.
Make a Financial Contribution: Every donation, regardless of size, makes a difference. Your generosity helps us offer warm meals, emergency shelter, mental health services, and more.
Spread the Word: Share our story with your network. The more people who know about the challenges we face, the more we can do to address them. Connect with us on social media!
In times like these, we are reminded that our strength as a community comes from our willingness to care for one another. Together, we can ensure that no one is left to face the harsh Michigan winter alone. Please consider donating, sponsoring an event, or volunteering your time to support this vital cause.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support. Together, we can create a future where everyone in Otsego County has a safe place to call home.
JOIN US AND GET INVOLVED
Soup For Hope Fundraiser | Monday, October 28 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Downtown Gaylord Pavilion
Join us for Soup For Hope, a community-driven fundraiser supporting homeless youth and families in Otsego County. Hosted by The Karing Home Youth Project and The Refuge, this heartwarming event invites you to enjoy delicious homemade soups while learning about the growing challenges facing unhoused individuals in Northern Michigan. As the colder months approach, the need for community support is critical. Your participation will directly contribute to providing safe shelter, essential services, and a brighter future for vulnerable members of our community.
Call to Action: Help us make a difference! Enjoy a meal with us, and in return, consider donating to support our cause, spread awareness, or become a sponsor for future events. Together, we can offer hope and safety to those most in need.
Kamp for a Kause Sleep Out
Friday, November 8 | 6:00 PM - midnight | Downtown Gaylord Pavilion
Participating in the Sleep Out event will allow you to experience the reality that too many in our community face every night. Hosted by The Karing Home Youth Project and The Refuge, this interactive awareness event invites you to spend the night outside to understand the harsh conditions that unhoused individuals endure daily. By coming together, we can foster empathy, raise awareness, and advocate for solutions to end homelessness in Otsego County.
Call to Action: Stand in solidarity with the unhoused. Join us for this immersive experience, share your reflections, and donate to support local initiatives that provide shelter and services to those without homes. Let’s come together and ensure that no one in our community is left out in the cold.
Community Conversation on Homelessness in Otsego County
Town Hall Panel Style Conversation on Homelessness
Thursday, November 14 | 12:15 PM | Otsego County Library
Join local experts and community leaders for a powerful conversation about the state of homelessness in Otsego County. The Town Hall Panel Conversation on Homelessness will feature discussions on advocacy, policy solutions, and firsthand experiences from those working on the front lines of this crisis. Key speakers like Ryan Hannon of Traverse City Central United Methodist Church and Tarin Sheffield of NEMCSA will provide insights into the challenges faced by our most vulnerable neighbors and how we can build a more supportive, inclusive community.
Call to Action: Be part of the solution. Attend this critical discussion to learn more, share your thoughts, and help drive change. Your voice matters in the fight to end homelessness—join us in advocating for stronger policies and more robust community support.
Thank you for standing with us in this critical time.
To donate or get involved, please visit KHYP’s Donation Page or The Refuge’s Donation Page. Every contribution, whether time or money, helps us continue our mission of supporting the homeless in Otsego County.
