At a time when homelessness and housing instability are on the rise, Homeward Bound opened its doors to the public, offering an inside look at its shelter and day center, sharing data on its impact and calling on the community to help sustain its mission.
“Our whole objective was to make it feel like a home,” said Charlie Brain, who has donated to the shelter, and attended the open house Friday, June 27, emphasizing how dignity and stability can transform lives for guests who have often been without a bed of their own for years.
Since opening in February, the shelter, 981 Grojean Road, Wooster, has:
“Our guests aren’t just getting a place to sleep,” said board member Zhila Pezeshkpoor. “They’re getting meals from local churches, showers, clean clothes and direct connections to case management that helps them move toward housing and stability.”
Annual budget of $750K comes from donor, community contributions
Homeward Bound operates on an annual budget of $750,000, with 90% ($675,000) funded by a private donor and 10% from community contributions.
One of the key supporters is Brain, a retired Wooster businessman whose commitment to serving others has helped to shape Homeward Bound’s mission.
Brain has long been active in faith-based volunteer work with his wife, and stepped up to provide financial backing and hands-on support for Homeward Bound, including helping assemble bunk beds with Habitat for Humanity.
He and his wife are active in community volunteer work, including foster care and ministries serving those in need.
The budget supports staff salaries, training, program services, facilities, meals and outreach.
The center emphasized how every dollar makes a difference:
Guests benefit from on-site case management from partner agencies, addressing barriers like transportation, obtaining vital documents and housing applications.
For many, Homeward Bound is the bridge from the streets to permanent housing, with eight people exiting to housing since reopening.
“Agencies come here to bring services to our guests because many of them don’t have transportation,” Pezeshkpoor said. “This collaboration is what makes real progress possible.”
The open house also highlighted the facility’s welcoming environment, including a large, fully equipped kitchen, living areas, a garden patio and a commitment to safety, even during severe weather when doors open for extended hours to protect guests from heat or cold.
How the community can help
Homeward Bound no longer accepts used clothing or household items, instead referring those donations to People to People Ministries.
“Every meal, every safe night’s sleep, every step toward stability is only possible because people like you believe in this mission,” the organization says a written statement. “But the need is greater than ever, and we can’t do it alone.”
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Homeward Bound cost of care: $50 for night stay, $1,500 daily operation, $750K a year
Reporting by Miranda McGrath, Wooster Daily Record / The Daily Record
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