Did you know on any given night in Salem 21 families are without shelter? Lack of shelter for homeless families in Marion and Polk Counties remains a critical issue. The YWCA Salem Outreach Shelter (SOS) has been addressing this crucial need daily, since 1988. During their stay at SOS families save money, attend life skills classes, and work closely with the shelter's case manager to transition from homelessness to housing.
Donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations provide over half of YWCA Salem Outreach Shelter's income. With need in Salem continuing to escalate, your support is needed more than ever. Your financial contribution allows us to continue to help homeless families in their time of greatest need.
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Salem Outreach Shelter history SOS has been providing life-changing services to Salem’s homeless families since 1988. Lack of shelter remains a critical issue in Marion and Polk Counties, and SOS continues to meet this vital need. SOS is a transitional housing program for homeless families in Marion and Polk Counties. Up to 15 families reside at the shelter at one time for an average of four to six months. During this time families must strive for a successful future with permanent housing, stable income, and a resource base to obtain long-term stability.
Salem Outreach Shelter familes that come to SOS make a commitment to change their lives. The goal of the shelter is to assist families in accomplishing their dream of returning to a sustainable living situation so they can take their place as contributing members of the community. Each family is involved with intensive case management and education. Families develop a plan with the case manager and review and update it weekly to make sure they are on track to return to the community.
Salem Outreach Shelter promotes money management and encourages responsible living. Families will financial contribute towards operational, including food costs or can provide house contribution hours of service per week to the shelter. Families also place half of any disposable income into a savings account. This money is then available to the family to cover move-in deposits and expenses when they are ready to move out of the shelter. All school age children attend school while in the shelter.
Salem Outreach Shelter volunteers are always needed to help out around the shelter. From activities with children and parents, to yard work, to painting, to tutoring/mentoring school age children, your help is always needed and appreciated! You can help on a regular basis or for a one-time project. Please call the YWCA Salem Outreach Shelter at 503-588-8898 or email at ywca@ywcasalem.org for more information.
helping homeless families since 1988