Church@thePark is inviting the entire community to an open house at the new Village of Hope site, 1210 Center Street, Sunday, September 11 from 1 pm to 3 pm and from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This will be an opportunity for UUCS supporters of Habitat and Hope Village, Inc. (HHV) to tour Shower Trailer Number 1 (ST1), funded mainly by UUCS congregants, and a laundry trailer recently purchased by C@tP.  No RSVP is needed.

C@tP develops and manages micro-shelter and safe parking sites in Salem. HHV donated ST1 to C@tP in July. It is being moved to the new site from it’s original location at the former Village of Hope in northeast Salem.  There will be a Property Blessing at 4pm for those who want to join in prayer for the future use of the property.

DJ Vincent, Founding Pastor and CEO of C@tP writes that “…the Open House is a time for neighbors, supporters, and other interested parties to come and see the new site and to hear from staff about how the site will operate.” More information on C@tP activities in support of un-sheltered neighbors can be found on their website.

Moving forward, HHV has contacted financial supporters of the Women’s Shelter of Hope asking them to formally allow re-allocation of their contributions and pledged donations. This money, coupled with proceeds from a GoFundMe campaign and matching funds from sponsors in the wider community, will be used to finance more portable laundry facilities for residents of local micro-shelter communities. The GoFundMe campaign can be accessed through the HHV website.

Our vision is to see individuals and families set free from homelessness, to become physically and spiritually healthy, and educationally equipped to participate in society and sustain permanent housing. We look forward to your comments and continued support as we work with community partners to help make this vision a reality.

~Paul Wilson on behalf of HHV. Photo credit Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter