Anonymous donor gives $100K to New Hope Shelter
CADILLAC, MI -- A Wexford County homeless shelter received a huge donation of $100,000 to put a roof over the heads of women and children in need.
New Hope Shelter in Cadillac was given the money earlier this month from an anonymous donor.
We have more on the shelter plans and what it means to a community with a homeless problem larger than you may know.
Brenda Wright is the executive director of New Hope Shelter, and she knows how far $100,000 can be stretched and says this is exactly what the homeless women and children need.
"Such an exciting time, such an answered prayer, and we're just thrilled, thrilled for the community and what this means for the community," she says.
Every night, the beds inside of the men's homeless shelter are filled. In fact, men have resorted to sleeping in the overflow areas, which is just a mattress on the floor. 20 years ago, New Hope Shelter opened up after some local pastors realized there was a homeless problem. Today, the problem in Cadillac is an epidemic.
5 percent of the people in Cadillac are homeless. In 2011, homeless shelters in the area had 576 homeless clients, 228 of those were women, 163 were homeless children.
That's why $100,000 means so much.
"Definitely a god send, answer to prayer, it's helped us out so much, I don't even know how to thank anybody for it," says Celeste Brewer.
Brewer and her four year old daughter have been homeless since their home burned down. In early November, they turned to New Hope.
“This donation and this house for the women's shelter will give them hope to say, "You know what, I had to, but I don't have to any more," and then get on their feet and they can do it," says Brewer.
“Every dollar that's donated means a lot, every dollar is spent on helping people in need, so we don't discount any penny given to us," says Wright.
With the money in hand, now New Hope is looking for a home that will offer much more hope. They’re looking for a home to shelter 12 to 14 females and children a night, and they say if you can help, they'd be glad to hear from you.
“Close enough, big enough, and within the means we have now," describes Wright.
And once the new shelter is open, it's going to be a positive thing for the Cadillac area, and that $100,000 will be priceless for homeless women with children looking to get back on their feet.
The largest donation before this last big one was $5,000.
Wright says she hopes to purchase the new shelter and have it opened as soon as possible.
If you can help, contact Brenda Wright at (231) 775-3702.
