Did you know...
Stronger by Choice operates the only 24hr Mens's Winter Shelter in Richland County. We are truly one of a kind because we do this as a nonprofit 501c3 with no Government funding what so ever. It is funded only by people like you!
What is a Winter Shelter? During the winter months (usually Nov-April) we operate a home where homeless men can come to a home and eat, shower, sleep and stay warm! We provide meals, hygiene, coats, hats, gloves, backpacks, socks, underwear, clothing and so much more, all donated by you!
The range of stay varies, but the main goal is to get them to somewhere they can stay more long term if they want. Some just stop by for a hot meal and shower, some are battling addictions, some with mental health needs and some just down in life for the moment.
Why is this important?
Can you imagine sleeping in a dumpster to protect yourself from the harsh cold winters we have here. Your not able to get into other shelters because they are full or don't have the necessary ID or other documentation needed. You get your meals from the generous Church's and agency's trying to eat as much as you can because you don't know if you can make it back tomorrow. You smell, are tired with no hope in sight. You are literally trying to stay alive and not sure why even anymore... People are dying here in Mansfield from this.
That's where we will help. Every Shelter, Agency, Police Force, Hospital, Social worker, Highway Patrol, Sheriff, Family Memebers in all our surrounding areas reach out to us when they encounter someone in these situations! We average over 100 different men each winter.
When we care and provide help with basic needs, people start to believe in themselves and others again. Begin to have hope they can make it out this bad situation. I can go on and on but I myself are one of these people who believe again.
So, what does it take to do this?
Not everyone wants to take in double digit number of strangers into their home every night. We do. But that takes money, food, clothing, household supplies, Social workers and more.