MAUMEE, Ohio — A Toledo advocacy organization is working to help people without homes transition to housing.
Off the Streets Toledo does this by providing furnishings and basic home goods as well as partial or full security deposits for people who have the means to pay ongoing rent but need a little help to get started.
Recipients include people who are getting out of prison, pregnant women, and other folk who could use a hand getting to a point of stability.
“It’s a very important service because there are a lot of people that are on the streets looking for apartments,” said Ed Ireland, a Deacon at St. Joseph's Maumee, who works with Off the Streets Toledo.
The growing organization has been helping people in the homeless community since 2019.
“It means a lot to all the people involved – the volunteers and the people who receive our services. We’re able to live out the gospel messages that we hear every Sunday,” said Ireland. “We’re supposed to take care of the poor and that’s what we’re really doing.”
Ireland says the needs for this kind of help is increasing across the Toledo area, especially as temperatures have been so low.
He’s proud of the way the group has been able to get people off the streets and into apartments.
“It’s a need in every large city in America and hopefully we’re setting a good example for the rest of the cities in our Diocese of Toledo.
Off the Streets Toledo works with other organizations in the area to identify those who need help. If you need help you are asked to call 211 to get set up with an organization that can work with Off the Streets Toledo.
If you would like to donate to Off the Streets Toledo, they accept furniture at their Maumee location at 104 W. Broadway the third Saturday of every month.
For a list of the type of items they are looking for, or to volunteer visit their website here.
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