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Chapel House opened in the fall of 2007 under the direction of the pastor of Holy Family Church, as a compassionate response to homelessness in Cayuga County. Once a shelter for homeless men operating out of the gymnasium of the former Holy Family School, Chapel House has grown, offering emergency shelter to both men and women, serving the homeless population in our City by providing emergency shelter to more than 3000 individuals. Chapel House, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation, relies on the support of volunteers whose compassion and commitment, along with the generosity of individuals and businesses within the community, allow Chapel House to fulfill its mission of serving the local homeless population. Homelessness is the result of complex social, economic, and personal factors. With the recent economic downturn, more and more people are finding themselves at the end of their rope with no place to call home. At Chapel House, men can find shelter from the elements, a warm meal, and a sense of security. ​ Chapel House is an advocate for the homeless population, not only providing emergency food and shelter, but working cooperatively with other community agencies to promote self-sufficiency, personal growth, and social responsibility.

Move Out Kits Chapel House helps those clients in our shelters who are moving out into permanent housing with essentials to get them started. Donations of kits or items included in the kits helps Chapel House continue to provide our clients with these necessities. Bathroom Kit - $25 Trash Can Hand Soap Towel/Wash Cloth Shower Curtain/Hooks Shampoo/Bodywash/Razor Comb/Brush Toothbrush/Toothpaste Deodorant Plunger/Toilet Brush ​ Amazon Bathroom Kit Kitchen Kit - $40 Silverware Plates/Bowls/Cups Dish Soap Sponges Pots/Pans ​ Amazon Kitchen Kit ​ Bedroom Kit - $60 Bed In a Bag (Twin) Pillow Lamp Twin mattress (if available) ​ Amazon Bedroom Kit ​ Cleaning Supplies Kit- $15 All Purpose Cleaner Broom/Dust Pan Mop/Mop Bucket Light Bulbs Garbage Bags Toilet Bowl Cleaner ​ Amazon Cleaning Kit ​ While these items can be purchased anywhere, Chapel House has setup "Wish Lists" on Amazon. Please click on the link below the kit details to bring you to our Amazon Page. If you are interested instead to donate a monetary amount towards kits, please click on the button below Amazon Wish List Monetary Donation Donate

Join Our Team There are many ways in which you can help Chapel House promote its mission of serving the local homeless population. You can join other concerned citizens in keeping Chapel House alive and well by donating your time, talents and participating in various fundraising events. VOLUNTEERING EMPLOYMENT

Subscribe to Our Newsletter Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting! CONTACT US 292 Grant Avenue, Auburn, NY 13021 info@chapelhouseshelter.org (315) 252-1756 Submit Thanks for submitting!

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Board of Directors Gerald Jones President Gerry became involved with Chapel House responding to ad in the Penny Saver looking for volunteers. Gerry volunteered at the emergency shelter and is now Chapel House’s longest serving board member. Gerry is the Superintendent of the Cayuga Correctional Facility and believes in second chances. Gerry is actively leading Chapel House’s effort to develop new housing opportunities for those we serve including a new 50-bed emergency shelter. Tim Donovan Vice President Tim has a distinguished record of community service. Tim has served as a volunteer for numerous community organizations such as the Salvation Army, Chapel House, the Cayuga Seneca Community Action Program, Human Services Coalition, Auburn Public Theater, ARISE, Auburn Community Hospital, HEAL, Drug Court, Recovery Counseling Services, Unity House of Cayuga County, Cayuga County Jail, Auburn Beatification Commission, IGNITE, Cayuga County Homeless Task Force, Retired Senior and Volunteer Program. Tim is an active member of the Auburn and Skaneateles Rotary Clubs, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Knights of Columbus, and Wednesday Morning Round Table. Tim is a graduate of Leadership Cayuga, a contributor to The Citizen and an advocate for people with substance abuse and mental health issues. Tim has been recognized for his service receiving many local awards including the Fred Atkins Community Service Award, the Suzanne Lehtonen Community Action Visions and Values Award, the Gianettino and Petheybridge Advocate of the Year Award, and New York State Office of the Aging Senior Citizen of the Year Award. Tim serves on a number of local boards and committees and has been involved with Chapel House from the very beginning. Tim is a peer specialist who is actively working to obtain his Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse certification. Tim has more than sixteen years’ sobriety and giving back is a significant part of his recovery program. James Breslin Secretary James has more than twenty-five years of distinguished service helping individuals with disabilities reach their full potential. Mr. Breslin is a homeless expert who served as the Chair of the Broome County Homeless Coalition (2005-2007) and Chair of the City of Auburn/Cayuga County Homeless Taskforce (2010-2016). Mr. Breslin has helped design and implement new programs in Auburn, Binghamton, Ithaca and Syracuse. Mr. Breslin serves as the Chief Operations Officer of the E. John Gavras Center who is also a licensed New York State attorney who honorably served in the United States Army Reserves and has been a fierce advocate for disabled veterans. Danielle Wright Treasurer Daniele is an experienced Management Professional and Skilled Chief Financial Officer with a demonstrated history of accomplishments working in healthcare, special education and not-for profit sectors. Wright has a proven track record of over twenty years leading not-for-profit organizations as well as ensuring the financial health of the entities. She has served as the Chief Financial Officer at the Gavras Center for 15 years before being promoted to the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer position in 2015. ​ Danielle is known for her high integrity and management capabilities. As an executive director, she has an exceptional skill that allows her to provide a vision for the organization while positively influencing others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization. Her inspiration comes from her daughters and the children the Gavras Center supports on a daily basis. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their daughters and being entertained by their two rescue dogs and three rescue cats. Wright has a MBA focused in Economic Crime & Fraud Management from Utica College where she graduated with a 4.0, and a Bachelor of Science in Economic Crime & Financial Investigation from Utica College where she graduated magna cum laude. Danielle also holds degrees in Finance and Accounting from Empire State College. She is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) as well as a Notary Public. She is involved in numerous boards; including the Financial Managers Association of New York State where she serves as the Corporate Treasurer, the Financial Managers Association of Rehab Organizations, Inc. Central Division where she also serves in the Treasurer role. Danielle has served as the Treasurer of the Auburn YMCA board, and served on the finance committee as a board manager for LIFEPlan CCO. Danielle is currently the Treasurer for Chapel House (Cayuga County’s largest homeless service provider). Her passion emanates from the opportunity to work every day to help improve the lives of children and adults in her community. Steve Weldon Veteran Representative Steve has a background in public service and joined the Chapel House Board of Directors to help end veteran homelessness in Cayuga County. Steve served with distinction as a Marine in Vietnam as a rifleman who was wounded in combat. Steve acts as the Chapel House Veteran Representative on the Board of Directors working with veterans and veteran groups. Steve is a retired New York State teacher who believes strongly in education and life-long learning. Christine Bickal Member Christine is an Emergency Services Caseworker for Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes helping individuals and families often in crisis situations find the help they need. Christine is a difference maker who is both personally and professionally committed to helping the less fortunate and making our community a better place. Christine has seen homelessness as a significant issue in our community for some time and joined the Chapel House Board of Directors in 2022 to become part of the solution.

A Hand Up, Not A Hand Out WAYS YOU CAN HELP To Help Focus of Our Efforts STARTER KIT WISH LIST IN-KIND DONATIONS OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK WITH US INSPIRATION "We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, without clothing and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty" – Mother Teresa "Let your love be the kindness to make a homeless person believe that a soul needs something more than just four walls and a ceiling." – Munia Khan OUR MISSION “To provide homeless individuals with emergency shelter and the tools for self sufficiency in a safe and respectful manner.” OUR VISION “To be the leader in providing solutions to homelessness in Cayuga County through emergency shelters, long term support and collaboration with other agencies.” PARTNERS AND ENDORSEMENTS Chapel House is proud to be recognized and supported by the following organizations dedicated to exceptional performance, transparency and accountability in a nonprofit Subscribe to Our Newsletter Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting! CONTACT US 292 Grant Avenue, Auburn, NY 13021 info@chapelhouseshelter.org (315) 252-1756 Submit Thanks for submitting!

Chapel House Inc. Leadership Team Kristine Raus Executive Director Michael Slomski Safety & Wellness Coordinator Alexa Hicks Program Supervisor

CHAPEL HOUSE PROGRAMS There are various stages of homelessness from establishing housing to preventing eviction that Chapel House strives to provide the supports needed for our community. CHAPEL HOUSE PROGRAM MEN'S SHELTER Located at 36 Franklin, this is a 15 bed facility that houses exclusively men. At this location we have 7 designated beds for veterans and 3 “overflow” beds for when executive order is in effect(below 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Clients received 3 hot meals a day that are prepared by our kitchen manager. Clients are also provided with case management for their entirety of their stay that assists in find safe and affordable housing. ROLES SHELTER Located at 290 Grant Ave, this is a 16 bed facility that houses men and women. Clients receive case management that assists them in finding safe and affordable housing during their time at the shelter. P ERMANENT S UPPORTIVE H OUSING A permanent housing program that serves chronically homeless individuals and families. The program currently serves 20 individuals and 3 families. The participants of this program receive rental assistance and case management for the entire time in the program, which could be permanent for some. RAPID REHOUSING PROGRAM A prevention program ensuring the discontinuation of eviction. Clients receive Case Management and rental assistance (both arrears and ongoing). Arrears payment can be no more than six months prior to referral date. Requirement guidelines include: Household may not have higher than 50% Area Median Income, have an eviction notice/demand of payment and currently reside in Cayuga County. You can apply for this program at the Cayuga County Department of Social Services. STEHP A prevention program ensuring the discontinuation of eviction. Clients receive Case Management and rental assistance (both arrears and ongoing). Arrears payment can be no more than six months prior to referral date. Requirement guidelines include: Household may not have higher than 50% Area Median Income, have an eviction notice/demand of payment and currently reside in Cayuga County. You can apply for this program at the Cayuga County Department of Social Services. HOTEL CASE MANAGEMENT Like our Shelter programs, the Case Manager works with clients who are placed in the hotels through DSS. The Case Manager helps the clients find affordable housing and connects them with after care services. Admin Office 292 Grant Ave Auburn, NY 13021 Phone (315) 252-1756 Email info@hapelhouseshelter.org Connect