For the past 25 years, the door at Anawim House has always been open to those who don’t have a roof over their heads.
Much has changed in the past quarter-century, and the Anawim Companions Society, which runs the clean (no drugs or alcohol) house, has embarked on a Community Engagement Pilot Project.
The year-long project, made possible by funding from the Victoria Foundation, seeks to raise awareness of Anawim’s services in the community.
There are two goals: To attract new sources of funding and to identify other service providers in the community.
While the non-profit organization has had a loyal following over the years, a great number of the faithful benefactors are elderly and near the end of their days.
“We need to expand our donor base and reach new donors,” said Susan Doyle, a member of the board. “We need to make our work known.”
Funding for the pilot project will make it possible for the organization to hire a community outreach liaison position and pay for equipment costs.
The person will manage social media, such as Facebook, to maintain current benefactors as well as reaching out to, and engaging, new donors.
The project also seeks to forge new partnerships with related organizations to reduce duplication of services.
“We are hoping to identify, reach out and make new partnerships with other service providers,” said Doyle, who has been with the organization for two years. “The aim is to make our services more sustainable, and build the organization’s capacity to fund this position from its own revenues.”
Anawim House is an adult-only facility that offers both day and residential programs. The outreach day program provides a safe and healthy place to spend the day for those in need. Breakfast and lunch are served six days and dinners twice a week. People can bathe, do laundry and be surrounded by people who care during their visit.
The residential program offers a place where people who have made a deeper commitment to change can get off the streets and begin a new life. Residents contribute by sharing household duties and welcoming day guests.
Members of the public can help by volunteering, becoming a society member or donating.
For more information, go to anawimhouse.com.
