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Flagstaff Shelter Services, Inc

Mission
To ease the suffering of homeless men and women by providing shelter and services in a safe supportive and caring environment and to assist them in overcoming the obstacles to obtaining permanent housing.

History
In the winter of 2006-2007, Flagstaff established the first community based seasonal emergency shelter for homeless men in collaboration with the Flagstaff chapter of the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, Catholic Charities and Coconino County Community Services. Over 1500 bed nights were provided during the winter season and 3000 meals were served. This first shelter was located at 319 S. San Francisco in the Mexican Methodist church, a historic landmark on Flagstaff's south side.

During the winter of 2007-2008, Flagstaff Shelter Services provided 3408 bed-nights (where bed nights equals the total number of nights where a bed space was not only provided but was used by a person in need). We provided emergency shelter services to 216 different people in an overnight setting. Between the opening of our day center on December 7, 2007 and the middle of August 2008, FSS has provided day drop-in services to well over 650 people.

On January 15, 2008, the City of Flagstaff approved the lease of a portion of a city owned building at 214 W. Phoenix to Flagstaff Shelter Services to use as an temporary shelter while plans for the permanent shelter are developed. The building is an abandoned warehouse that was remodeled during the winter/spring of 2008.

The Challenge
Homeless people often go without the basic necessities most Americans take for granted. In the struggle to find food and a safe place to sleep, homeless people find it difficult to acquire basic items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, and toothbrushes. Without the right supplies, simple hygienic activities such as brushing their teeth or washing their hands can prove to be a challenge. With just a few hours of do-it-yourself volunteering, delegates can put together hygiene kits for homeless people. These kits include simple, inexpensive items that can be picked up when grocery shopping or with a quick trip to the dollar store. By giving these basic supplies to the homeless, you can help them avoid physical and dental health problems.

Delegates will be asked to bring toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, lotion, deodorant, etc...) to the conference. If each delegate would bring at least one or two items, it would really make a difference for the Flagstaff Shelter Services, Inc.