Community Contact Information:
Temple Emanu El
University Heights, OH
Goals:
- Assist a local homeless shelter.
- Provide homeless men with dignity as they look for work.
- Involve the congregation in an act of tzedakah.
Preparation:
The social action committee built a relationship with a local homeless shelter and committed to help their efforts by providing the shelter with needed materials including bedding, toiletries, work clothing for resident interviews, etc. To advertise this partnership, the chair wrote an article for the synagogue’s newsletter and made an announcement after Shabbat services to collect donations.
Project Implementation:
A box or bin was placed in the lobby of the synagogue to collect new or unused goods. A fund was created, asking congregants to donate money, which was used to purchase goods. The committee was tasked to deliver goods to the shelter as needed, or to purchase goods for the shelter.
Results:
New personal hygiene items and suits gave hope to those looking for work. New sheets, blankets and other bedding materials allow residents human dignity and respect.
