We host these special homeless guests at our building through the month of July. It is a privilege to have some of these friends honor us with their true stories and helps us understand the complex issues of homelessness better.
Community CARES has been serving the Cumberland County community since 2004. CARES. began as a mission through Carlisle United Methodist Church (then Grace United Methodist Church). After sheltering a few men for a night, members of the church and the community realized there was a much bigger issue that needed to be addressed. Initially, CARES housed 3 or 4 homeless individuals during the harshest winter months through a network of 3 churches. Eventually, as support grew, CARES was able to offer shelter year round to as many as 60 residents each night.
In 2010, CARES expanded their services to meet the needs of the community. This time the need was a “day center” or the Resource Center. This building is a place for the residents of CARES to shower, to do laundry, to receive mail, to cook, and to rest when they are ill. It is also a place where the residents meet with their supportive services coordinator. It is a place for our residents to call home.
It is important to us to increase and improve the services we offer the community but not duplicate any that are being offered. Working with community organizations and businesses allows this to be possible. We continue to look for partners in the community and collaboration opportunities.
