Facing the Chilling Reality Annual Effort to Combat Homelessness According to the latest data from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, we’ve seen a heart-wrenching 12% rise in homelessness in our country since 2022. These aren’t just statistics—these numbers represent real people, with real stories, and real struggles. Imagine spending nights in the bitter cold trying to find shelter in a car, abandoned house, or shed. Worse yet, imagine your children shivering, frightened, wishing for warmth and comfort. This grim reality touches thousands who’ve sought help from Fayette Cares and motivates volunteers to participate in an annual effort to record data on homelessness. Volunteers learn to identify homelessness Each year Fayette Cares volunteers engage in a nationwide Point in Time Homeless Count to shed light on the scope of this challenge, but more importantly, to catalyze our compassionate response. “After the homeless count training, I saw my familiar country roads in a different light,” says Barby Watson, who joins the volunteer team searching for and recording data on homelessness, “I found myself thinking that a homeless family could be living down the roads I typically drive past.” As temperatures dip, our commitment climbs to ensure everyone has warmth and safety. Whether our emergency shelter, utility and rent assistance, or first responder food and hygiene kits, Fayette Cares’ services are more than relief from the cold—they are a lifeline. Donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word about services to restore hope, one precious life at a time. Learn more about help for those in need at FayetteCares.org/our-programs. Lives You Touched January - December 2023 (Annual) TOTAL SERVED 1,311 355 Children 320 Seniors 636 Adults ASSISTANCE PROVIDED 441 Food, Hygiene, and School Supplies 14+ Tons 28,767 lbs. of Food Distributed 121 Clothing and Housewares 137 Scan the QR code to find a drop-box location or visit FayetteCares.org/shop-for-a-cause Donations that Inspire Dignity Are Your Contributions Uplifting? Carolyn (pictured here) has dedicated months of hard work as the primary volunteer at our donation center. She diligently sorts through tons of clothes and trains other volunteers to thoughtfully inspect donations before they reach clients or stock the shelves of the Fayette Cares thrift shop. Carolyn’s training sessions play a crucial role in checking for and removing clothing with stains, tears, missing or broken parts, or unsanitary conditions. This step is vital to ensure that useful apparel can be promptly provided to those in need or sold to raise funds for our services. “Sometimes it’s a brand-new suit or blouse, but other times it’s a bag of dirty underwear and holey shirts!” remarks Carolyn. “The last thing we want to do is give someone in need clothing they have to fix or feel embarrassed to wear. The people Fayette Cares serves deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” emphasizes Carolyn. When you thoughtfully donate high-quality clothing and apparel to Fayette Cares, families receive a gift that uplifts and strengthens them on their path to stability. It also fills the shopping bags of those who help fund our mission by making purchases at the Fayette Cares Thrift Shop on the Square. Learn more about what and where to donate at FayetteCares.org/ shop-for-a-cause. Emergency Shelter 146 Rent, Utility, and Transportation 270 Domestic Violence Intervention 641 Case Management and Life Skills 5 Medical/Mental Health 749 Christmas Caring
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