“We want to say thank you to all those that have supported us recently–as well as lifelong donors over the past 40 years,” shared Mifflin County Shelter Service Executive Director Jane Neff. “So many lives have been encouraged and touched thanks to each of you.”

Neff said the shelter must ensure it does not run low on funds again during future months of inclement and winter weather.

“We do not want to be forced to limit our services even further in the late fall and winter when the homeless need our services the most in order to be safe, warm and protected,” she said.

The shelter has had to make changes with personnel and the services that can be offered to stay within the tight budget.

Staffing has been cut to part-time and only throughout the day, causing a “decrease in effectiveness with case management,” which can lead to unmet needs of the shelter’s clients as well as longer stays.

Neff said if the shelter had the money needed for a full operating budget they would be able to offer full case management, timely completion of necessary applications for the homeless to obtain health care and food benefits and low income housing. They could also provide added emotional support, trouble shooting for individual struggles and daily follow up with clients to be sure immediate life essentials are not delayed.

The shelter owns two thrift stores that are open four days a week for four hours a day, which provides some steady income.

Both thrift stores sell donated products and are staffed by volunteers; each store is open for sales to the entire public, where they can get gently used items at a low cost to their families budget. Additionally, homeless, victims of disaster, those referred by hospitals, probation, mental health agencies, school staff are allowed to shop for free when their clients are facing a crisis.

All revenue from both stores goes directly to the shelter for the shelter’s daily operating budget.

The shelter faces expenses year-round such as the water, heating and utility bills and are not covered by government grants.

“To feel as though we are on more stable ground we would need to see our donor base increase,” shared Neff.

Neff expressed gratitude to those who help in any way, but said that normally a grant is earmarked for a specific project or purpose and the funds are rarely approved for the daily operating budget.

“We have been very encouraged by the fund raisers held on our behalf and the notes of support that have arrived with recent donations,” shared Neff. “We appreciate your thoughts and prayers.”

People can send checks to Shelter Service, Inc. 13 Depot St., Lewistown, Pa 17044 or use the QR code that is posted on the Shelter Service of Mifflin and Juniata County Facebook page.