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About the homeless shelter for families

S.O.S. is a transitional housing program for homeless families in Marion and Polk Counties. Fifteen families reside at the shelter at one time for an average of three 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.

Working to end the cycle of homelessness by providing:

• Safe shelter for homeless parents and their children
• Case management including follow-up after move-out
• Basic life-skill building such as money management
• Employability skills and assistance
• Help with placement into affordable housing

Ending homelessness isn’t just providing a home

Families that come to the Salem Outreach Shelter 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.

We promote money management and encourage responsible living. Families contribute $25 or four 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.

You may be surprised to know:

• Families with children are one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population.
• SOS serves an average of 60 families and 140 children each year.
• Each family in the shelter has their own room.
• 915 homeless students were enrolled in the Salem-Keizer School District in the 2007-2008 school year. 75 of these students called SOS their home.
• On any given night in the Salem area, 27 families are unable to find a place to sleep.

How you can help

The money, clothing, and volunteer hours that are contributed go directly to helping these families overcome their homelessness and return to self-sufficiency. It is only through the generosity of our donors that we are able to serve the number of families and children that we do.

Over 50% of the shelter's income comes from individuals, businesses, and organizations. If you would like to contribute financially, mail your donation to the shelter at: PO BOX 13087, Salem, OR, 97309

• $2,500 pays for one month's utilities
• $500 buys milk for one month
• $250 pays for educational program materials
• $50 feeds SOS families for one day

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. Just call the shelter at 503-588-8898 for more information or click here to submit your interest at volunteermatch.org.”

YWCA Salem Outreach Shelter
2933 Center St. #200 Salem OR 97301
503-588-8898

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Urgent needs

• Brooms
• Pillows
• Trash Bags - 33 gallon size
• Bicycle Locks
• Powdered Laundry Soap

Shelter supplies

• All-purpose cleaners
• Dishwashing liquid
• Bath towels
• Wash cloths
• Bedding - twin size & queen size
• First aid supplies
• Flashlights & batteries
• Paper towels, Napkins
• Toilet tissue
• Shower curtains & liners

Office supplies

• Copy paper – 8 ½ x 11, white
• Paper clips, Tape, Sticky notes
• Postage Stamps
• Pens

Always needed

• Financial contributions
• Personal care / Hygiene items
• Clothing & shoes (men, women, & children’s)
• Socks & underclothes (new only)

Other

• Movie rental gift certificates for Fri & Sat family movie times
• VHS Movies (rated G, PG, PG-13)

Food

• Canned Fruit, Applesauce
• Canned Tomatoes
• Chicken
• Chili, Soups (tomato, beef, veg)
• “Cream of” soups
• Condiments
• Pasta
• Jam/Jelly
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Ground Beef

Family needs

• Phone cards
• Bus passes
• Personal care items
• Diapers
• Feminine hygiene products
• Hairbrushes, combs
• Birthday gifts for kids, teens, adults

One-time needs

• Power Washer
• Tools (hammer, drill)

Thank you for supporting SOS with your donations. Please bring donations Mondays and/or Fridays only. Call for special arrangements. Also, we ask that items be clean & in good working condition as we do not have the resources to repair or dispose of unusable items. Thanks!