Our Mission

 

The Center for the Homeless is not a homeless shelter. While we have provided more than 700,000 safe nights and over 1.5 million meals to more than 45,000 men, women and children since our opening in December 1988, our focus is on providing not just life-saving, but life-changing services to each of our guests.

Our innovative service model offers homeless families and individuals an on-site structured, step-by-step process to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. This revolutionary program relies on partnerships with every sector of the community and has been endorsed by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Everything that goes on in the Center serves to further our mission, which is threefold:

  1. Break the cycle of homelessness.
  2. Bring together disparate groups so that each can discover the worth, dignity and potential of the other.
  3. Pioneer a service model worthy of replication.

This mission unites all members of the Center community in a common endeavor. Because of the depth and severity of the condition of homelessness, no less than a focused and concerted effort can bring lasting change into the lives of our guests.

Immediate Needs

Immediate Needs

  • Cold Weather Items
    • Hand warmers
    • Heavy socks
    • Boots/Boot liners
    • Durable gloves/mittens
    • Coats
    • Fleece
    • Blankets
  • Towels
  • Double or triple-edge razors
  • Full size bath soap
  • Lysol wipes
  • African American Hair Care products
  • Feminine Hygiene Products (super and long)
  • Full-sized bottles of shampoos/conditioners
  • Travel-sized bottles of body wash/shampoos, conditioners
  • Q-tips
  • Band-aids
  • Diapers/wipes
  • Deodorant
  • Copy Paper

We are grateful for your donations to the Center for the Homeless. Thank you!

 

Critical Needs

Ongoing Needs

  • In-kind donation of routine maintenance on CFH vehicles
  • New socks and underwear (men's and women's)
  • X-Large - XXXL shirts, men and women
  • Women’s dress shoes (sizes 8 and up)
  • Towels/wash cloths
  • Men's Shoes: size 9-14
  • Laundry detergent
  • Bleach
  • Common toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, powder, etc)
  • Lip balm
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Ear Plugs
  • 2 to 3-inch 3-ring binders
  • Good Quality Books
  • Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, aspirin
  • Educational activity books for grades 2-5
  • Blue collared shirts (youth and adult S, M, L)
  • Belts
  • Board Games (no DVD games)
  • DVD movies rated PG
  • Sporting equipment (jump ropes, dodgeballs, etc.)
  • Construction paper
  • Supplies for first aid kits
  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Infant Orajel
  • Underwear for children
  • Socks
  • Kleenex
  • Ziploc bags
  • Toddler dress up clothes
  • Toys for infants 0-12 months
  • Shower flip flops
  • latex gloves
  • Pack 'n' Plays

If you would like to donate additional items please feel free to drop them off with the front desk. Thank you!

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