Causes
The Council of Community Services seeks to provide a diverse network of services for those who are in need in our community.
The Council of Community Services seeks to provide a diverse network of services for those who are in need in our community.
Our Emergency Shelter relies on the generous donations of local individuals and businesses, as well as several small grants. A donation of just 25 dollars a day will provide a homeless individual with a safe and sober environment, warm clean bed, showers, and food.
1 in 7 Americans struggles to get enough to eat. Our Soup Kitchen program feeds around 80 community members in Campbell County everyday. In 2018 alone, we served 18,555 meals to the most vulnerable individuals and families, helping to prevent malnutrition and food insecurity in our community.
Our Food Pantry Program served 1,251 households in Campbell County in 2018. We also provided 340 Thanksgiving meals to families that otherwise would not have had one and provided provided 558 Christmas Baskets to families in 2018 with the help of many community volunteers.
Our Transitional Housing Program is designed to provide strong support, educational opportunities, and case management to families transitioning out of homelessness and into self-sufficiency.
Continue reading “Transitional Housing”
Our Permanent Supportive Housing for the Severely Persistently Mentally Ill houses 8 individuals who have a history of chronic homelessness. Most have been living in places unfit for human habitation, with no safety net to help them access necessary medicine and medical services. All of these individuals receive safe, stable, and and supportive housing.
Our Group Home for the Severely Persistently Mentally Ill is a supervised group home living facility for those who have severe mental illness and homelessness. Our group home, also referred to as the “Greenhouse” caters to adults who have been in and out of other programs with very little success.
The Council of Community Services is one of only two nonprofits that provide weatherization services to low-income, vulnerable residents in the state of Wyoming. Our services help the most vulnerable members of our population save money on their energy bills and in turn, take a large burden off already struggling households.
Seconds on the Avenue is a community thrift store and emergency closet owned and operated by the Council of Community Services. Our store has many brand name and new items at extremely low prices. We sell women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, as well as furniture, household items, and various other goodies.
Continue reading “Seconds on the Avenue”
The housing choice voucher program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.
The Emergency Homeless Shelter (also referred to as Phase or Way Station I) is open to anyone needing a warm and safe place to stay. The Shelter is open for check-in beginning at 5:30pm and is open 7 days a week 365 days a year.
For families who are actively involved with the Department of Family Services (DFS), we offer a 6-unit apartment building to help reunite families. Officially titled Permanent Supportive Housing for Families (also referred to as Phase or Way Station II) this supportive program allows families to work cooperatively with DFS and the Council of Community Services to build skills and work towards self-sufficiency.
Individuals with a mental health disability who have experienced chronic homelessness can find the support they need in our supportive 8-unit apartment building. Permanent Supportive Housing for Individuals (also referred to as Phase or Way Station III) allows people with a history of homelessness and mental health disabilities the opportunity to live independently while receiving the support they need to thrive.
For adults with a severe and persistent mental illness we offer 24/7 supported living in our group home, the Greenhouse. The Greenhouse allows 6 residents to receive the tailored support they need to live healthy and productive lives.
The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) is a federal rental assistance program. Once approved, the voucher can be used where Section 8 is accepted. The Section 8 program ensures that a tenant never spends more than 30% of their income on housing.
The Food Pantry offers supplemental grocery assistance to households in need. Typically the Food Pantry serves around 400 households each month! Utilizing the Food Pantry allows households to fill in their nutritional gaps with a wide variety of food available. Food for the Food Pantry comes from the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies and the Feeding America program which local grocery stores participate in.
The Soup Kitchen serves homemade lunch-time meals 7 days a week. The Soup Kitchen is open to anyone in need of a hot meal!
Emergencies that impact an individuals health and well-being can have major ripple effects on other areas of their lives. When emergencies arise regarding prescription medication, eye glasses, tooth extractions, and other areas the Council of Community Services may be able to help.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program offers assistance in two ways- the first is help paying for utility costs, the second is by responding to emergencies. Individuals who find themselves without a way to heat their home during the winter months may qualify for crisis assistance which will restore heat and safety to their home at no cost.
Seconds on the Avenue operates as a community thrift store and emergency closet. A voucher program is available for those who qualify, which allows individuals in need to receive clothing, household goods, and more for free.