18 Jun Starke County Community Foundation Supports Comfort Packs for the Homeless
The Starke County Community Foundation recently awarded a $2,500 grant to the Knox Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, based at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Funded in part by the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund and Starke County Community Funds, the grant will support the organization’s efforts to bring comfort and dignity to individuals experiencing homelessness in Starke County.
Recognizing the urgent need for shelter alternatives in the area, the volunteer-led group is assembling “comfort packs” for individuals and families with nowhere else to turn. The packs will include essential items such as food, toiletries, waterproof blankets, clean clothing, flashlights with batteries, and tote bags or backpacks.
“Our small group receives calls from people who are homeless and have no place to go,” said Mary Kleinfehn, active member of the Society. “We can’t solve the problem of homelessness, but we hope to provide some comfort.”
Each pack will also include a handwritten note of encouragement and information about local resources, such as medical or dental services.
This grant was made possible in part through generous donors to community funds at the Starke County Community Foundation. These flexible funds allow the Foundation to respond to the county’s greatest needs—today and in the future. Right now, gifts to any community fund are tripled through a special matching opportunity: for every $1 donated, an additional $2 will be added, multiplying your impact.
To learn more contact Starke County Director of Development Jacque Ryan at 574.772.3665.
Donate to the Starke County Community Fund here.