Homeless Stand Down Demonstrates Caring in our City

“HandsOn Northeast Ohio is incredibly fortunate to have the support of Community West Foundation, not only at the Homeless Stand Down but also on an annual basis,” said Lauren Penkala, Executive Director, HandsOn Northeast Ohio with David T. Dombrowiak President and CEO Community West Foundation.

The true spirit of caring in our city was on display at the 28th Annual Homeless Stand Down on Saturday, January 12.

Many organizations and volunteers joined forces at the event to help people facing real hardships.

HandsOn Northeast Ohio coordinated the event that served over 1,500 people at Cleveland Public Auditorium.

Community West Foundation was a proud sponsor of this important event for our community. Thank you to everyone that participated and provided resources for those in need.

“The Homeless Stand Down is a significant part of the homeless community,” said Chris Knestrick, Director of Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH). “For some, it is their chance to meet their basic needs. Others, it is an opportunity to fill their spirits and reclaim their dignity. This caring environment tells people struggling in our community that we see you and we love you.

“We are thankful for the Community West Foundation, who is a leader in caring for the homeless,” added Knestrick. “Through their SocksPLUS program, they have sustained homeless outreach efforts in Cleveland by providing winter gear and housing for so many. Every winter, I am so thankful for them because they are literally saving lives in our community.”

“Over the span of 5 hours, a total of 398 valuable volunteers served hundreds of homeless veterans, families and individuals,” said Lauren Penkala, Executive Director, HandsOn Northeast Ohio.

HandsOn Northeast Ohio partners with over 100 local organizations to provide a variety of services to guests.

“The Homeless Stand Down is a significant part of the homeless community…. this caring environment tells people struggling in our community that we see you and we love you. – Chris Knestrick, Director, Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH)

“Seven of these agencies are funded by Community West Foundation,” said Penkala.

Services at the event included medical care, warm breakfast and lunch, haircuts, legal consultation, distribution of warm winter clothing items and personal hygiene kits, family portraits and more.

“HandsOn Northeast Ohio is incredibly fortunate to have the support of Community West Foundation, not only at the Homeless Stand Down but also on an annual basis,” added Penkala. “Over the past year, the funding from the Foundation has allowed us to develop new volunteer opportunities for youth and create a brand new Youth Opportunity Calendar, provide outreach to support SocksPLUS and continue to grow the Homeless Stand Down. We love that our funding enables us to partner with other organizations supported by Community West Foundation, especially as it pertains to our work with the hungry and the homeless.”

Please continue to help our neighbors whose hearts are weary from their struggles with homelessness or other desperate situations. The need is urgent and ongoing in our community.

Learn more about SocksPLUS at www.communitywestfoundation.org/events/socksplus.