EXETER, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — The third annual Spring Into Hope fundraiser drew dozens of people from across the Valley to Sabatini’s Bottle Shop and Bar on Tuesday evening to support Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania’s Give Hope outreach.
Proceeds from the Mardi Grasthemed benefit will go toward providing lifesaving essentials to people experiencing homelessness across the region.
Crystal Kotlowski, chief operating officer for Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania, says community events like this help people understand that homelessness can happen to anyone at any time.
She emphasizes that these resources may one day be critically important to you or someone you love.
“We always hope that by engaging people with our services and resources, and by teaching them about the population we serve, what the needs are, and how they can help, it will help reduce stigma so that people experiencing homelessness are less afraid to reach out for assistance and resources to get out of that situation,” said Kotlowski.
Kotlowski adds that more than 100 people in the community at a time are living in the woods, in vehicles, or on the street, underscoring the yearround demand for support.
Guests purchased $30 tickets that included three drinks, allyoucaneat pizza, and a contribution to Give Hope.
Give Hope provides street outreach to people who are unsheltered or living in vehicles and encampments in Luzerne and Wyoming counties.
Funds help the team supply bedding, tents, tarps, waterproof gear, cooking equipment, and other survival items while staff provide case management toward housing.
Staff also use those supplies to build trust with people who are hesitant to engage with traditional service systems.
Organizers hoped to raise a couple thousand dollars to help meet immediate needs.
Volunteers of America operates in more than 20 counties statewide.
Community members can learn more, donate, or request help on Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania’s website or the Give Hope Facebook page.