Our community is large and wildly diverse, which is at the same time our strength and our weakness. #Activate10 is a movement seeking to increase communication between individuals and organizations across Fremont County and to promote positive action in our communities.
Last week, the Eagles Hope Board of Directors voted on accepting the assets of the recently closed Good Samaritan Center in Riverton. They are still in the preliminary phases of planning the future state of Eagles Hope with adding this new location, shared Director Michelle Widmayer.
Finances are a significant hurdle facing Eagles Hope as they work to fill this need and address homelessness in Fremont County. To make the required repairs and adequately staff both locations, an estimated $110,000 is needed. They are working on grants and other funding, but those take time. County 10 and 10Cast will be partnering with Eagles Hope this spring for a fundraiser in hopes of raising their needed funds. More information will be shared when details are confirmed.
The hopeful plan is to have the former Good Samaritan Center become ‘Eagles Hope Progressive Living.’ The phase one step for Fremont County residents in need of housing and help to get on their feet. This phase would provide folks with the necessary skills to gain and maintain employment. There are already volunteers who have offered to help with things like their resumes and interviewing, Michelle shared. Their zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol would also be in place during this first phase as well as curfews.
Once steady employment is gained, and they have been able to save up enough money to pay rent, the resident would transition to phase two housing at Eagles Hope’s current location. One of the things most people don’t realize is current residents of Eagles Hope pay monthly rent, Michelle noted. This last phase would continue to provide the accountability and resources as they continue to build their solid foundation to sustain independent housing within two years.
More information about the spring fundraiser and ways for the community to help will be shared as information becomes available.