Provide hospitality this winter
One of the most important aspects of the North City Photo ID Project is creating the kind of environment where all people, no matter what, are welcomed warmly, treated with patience and compassion, and leave feeling loved and cared for in the short time they are with us. We incorporate these values in multiple ways, and recently opened a space we're calling the Hospitality Room. Here's what it looks like:
A self-service, semi-private area where guests can take what they need without judgement, shame or an expectation that they prove their need or deservingness
A water cooler offering cold and hot water, coupled with instant coffee, an assortment of hot teas, and hot chocolate
Fresh fruits, like apples and oranges
Packaged snacks, including granola bars, meat sticks, crackers, mixed nuts, trail mix, protein bars, and more
Seasonally appropriate supplies, like hand warmers and gloves (or sunscreen and hand fans in warmer months!)
Reusable water bottles so folks in need can fill up and take a drink to go
Resources for additional services, including flyers, cards, brochures, and links to other organizations and services in the area that provide potential avenues for support in a variety of ways (housing, employment, healthcare, education, legal services, case management, etc.)
As you may know, over 40% of the people we serve through the North City Photo ID Project are unhoused or experiencing some type of housing instability. We've heard from several people that the snacks they enjoy while they're with us are sometimes the only food they'll eat that day. Sometimes, the little details really do matter.
So, we need your help! We have limited funding to sustain this small but vital component of our work. We've also received some donations, including a mini fridge and big stock of candy - thank you! We are asking for your support. Here's what you can do:
Stock the hospitality room with supplies from our new Wish List!
Sponsor the room for a week or a month! We can give you a shopping list and estimated budget, and you do the rest. Just contact our team and we'll get you started!
Start a recurring donation to cover the cost of some of the items we use frequently, like coffee, tea, fruit, and snacks. Any amount is helpful and appreciated!
Make a one-time contribution of an amount that is meaningful to you that can fund this effort. All donations are tax-deductible!
