A Springs group is opening the WISH house, a shelter for homeless women in Colorado Springs. On Thursday, April 6, community members got a tour.
Ecumenical Social Ministries (ESM) is a local outreach ministry that assists with emergency social service needs, promotes self sufficiency, and restores dignity to low-income and homeless people in crisis in the Springs. They currently provide services to over 74,000 individuals each year, and they're hoping to expand that with their new shelter for homeless women. [gallery size="large" ids="12900,12901,12902"] The WISH house, which stands for Women in Safety & Hope, was opened to members of the community on April 6, allowing people the chance to walk through the home and see what the housing program is all about. The facility will house 16 women, who will also be able to participate in education and work programs.
The goal of ESM is to help homeless women get off the streets and into their own homes. Anne Lantz, executive director of ESM, said of the program,
It's very important for Colorado Springs... We'll have 24 women complete the program, and that's 24 women that will be housed and back to self-sufficiency."ESM did intake appointments on Monday, April 10, and they plan to officially open the facility on April 17. If you're interested in donating to help this great cause, you can access their Amazon wishlist here.