Sparrow's Nest shelters record numbers of women

Sparrow's Nest does not turn anyone away, and women can stay as long as they need. The ministry needs your help during the holiday season.

A record number of women are seeking shelter from the cold at Sparrow's Nest homeless shelter. Each woman' story is unique.

One resident is a recovering alcoholic. "My mom died last year. She was sort of my support system, and with her being gone, I have nobody," she said.

Another resident left her family in Florida and found herself pregnant and alone in Toledo. "I got sold hopes and dreams. When I got here, nothing worked out to the way it was supposed to go."

Both these women have had to turn to Sparrow's Nest for a temporary place to live. They're not alone. A record breaking 83 women stayed this past week, sleeping in cluttered rooms or on the floor. The shelter has become so crowded that they're turning beds into bunk beds-to make room for more.

"We have 59 beds, so what we've had to do is get mats and cots to accommodate the overflow," said Shaconda Carter, a case worker at Sparrow's Nest. "It's kind of damaging to their self esteem, to them as a person. However, the flip side is they're not sleeping in a park. They're not sleeping in an abandoned house or car," said Carter

High unemployment rates, cold weather, drug and alcohol addiction are all contributing factors to the high numbers, but using faith based principles, the ministry always has hope for its residents.

Sparrow's Nest does not turn anyone away, and women can stay as long as they need. The ministry needs your help during the holiday season. Monetary, food, and clothing donations are always welcome.

Visit Cherry Street Mission Ministries at 105 17th Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604.
Call them at 419-242-5141
Online at cherrystreetmission.org

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