We would like to take this opportunity to share with you the progress on the remodeling of the Lincoln Center. The food service area in the front and lounge and offices should be completed this week, enabling us to open the day center as soon as we are inspected. This was possible due to the untiring effort and determination of volunteers Ron Leither, Jerry and Jeanette Hansen who spent nearly full time for many months, working on creating a beautiful dining lounge and food service area for our residents and people living on the streets.
The progress in the sleeping area has been substantial and rapid thanks to Cardozo Drywall and the members of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 82 who provided their labor and expertise in drywalling and painting.
The City has given us until the 1st of November to become operational and only one major financial obstacle remains in our path. We need around $45,000 in either donations or loans to complete the HVAC for our sleeping area. We need two furnaces and two air exchangers and two air conditioners to complete the project. Without at least the furnaces and air exchangers we will not be able to open or to provide a warm alternative for those sleeping outside. We are asking if any of you are able to help us out to do so now. If you are financially unable perhaps you know of a friend or an organization that might be willing and if so, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can open up on time. If these numbers are too large for your budget, we are asking that you give what you can. Perhaps many small donations will enable us to reach our goals. For those considering giving us a loan we have a substantial donor base that regularly supports us, and we would be able to make repayment in under a year. We have applied for several grants that if approved could allow repayment by January.
Thank you again for all you have done to help us to get to this point. We are confident that your commitment and concern for the less fortunate, the addicted, the mentally ill, and the behaviorally challenged will enable us to provide shelter on November 1st and avoid folks freezing to death or being disfigured by frostbite.
Make checks payable to Homeless Helping Homeless PO Box 475 Saint Cloud Minnesota 56302. Or you may donate online at homelesshelpinghomeless.org
Gratefully yours,
Harry Mary and Troy
