UPDATE: The WAVE Project in Warren, Michigan, urgently requires $68,000 in donations to continue its vital winter shelter operations for the homeless. With winter approaching, the nonprofit has served hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness since its inception in 2018, and is now facing a critical funding shortfall.
The WAVE Project operates an overnight shelter at the Trinity Christian Community Center, providing a much-needed refuge for those without a place to stay. “There are literally hundreds of people in our communities, not just Wayne County but Macomb County and Oakland County, experiencing some form of homelessness,” said Todd Gordon, co-founder and executive director of WAVE Project. “They’re folks that have nowhere to go, and unfortunately, in many communities, there aren’t a lot of resources.”
Last winter alone, WAVE Project facilitated over 6,300 stays at its shelter, offering essential services like warm meals and a safe place to sleep. The organization emphasizes that their mission extends beyond basic shelter; it provides emotional support through human connection. “A lot of people don’t want to talk to them or be around them, and what they need is somebody to give them a hug, to sit down and have dinner with them,” said Sheila Chauvin, project manager for the Macomb County Winter Shelter.
With some partners unable to contribute as they have in previous years, the urgency to raise funds has intensified. “If we can’t be open, we’re going to be very heartbroken, along with all the people that need us,” Chauvin added. The goal is to keep the shelter operational seven days a week for 12 weeks, starting at the end of December.
To achieve this, WAVE Project needs to raise the necessary funds within 23 days. “Our budget includes security on site to ensure the safety of volunteers, staff members, and guests. We also have to cover the utilities for this old building. People wouldn’t believe what it actually costs to keep this place warm,” Gordon explained.
Without adequate funding, the shelter’s operational timeline could be drastically shortened. “If we have $41,000, we’re going to operate for a month. We’re going to do it as best we can,” Gordon warned. Every donation, whether $10 or more, plays a crucial role in maintaining shelter services.
WAVE Project also provides mobile showers and distributes clothing to those in need, amplifying its impact on the community. “It is very important to us and all the people in our community that are unhoused that they have somewhere to go,” Chauvin emphasized.
As winter pressures mount, the clock is ticking for the WAVE Project. Community members are urged to contribute immediately to ensure that those facing homelessness have a safe haven this winter.
For more information on donations and to support this urgent cause, visit WAVE Project’s official website. Every contribution counts as they strive to keep their doors open for those who need it most.
