Safelite AutoGlass Supports the Community Shelter Board’s
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jan. 21, 2014 - On January 22, 2014, WBNS-10TV will host the annual “Day to End Homelessness” telethon to benefit the Community Shelter Board (CSB). The campaign, sponsored by WBNS-10TV and the Dispatch Broadcast Group along with the support of Nationwide Insurance and Safelite AutoGlass®, raises money to house adults and families who are experiencing homelessness. With emergency shelters over capacity, Day to End Homelessness responds to the growing need for the community’s support.
“9,000 of our neighbors faced disaster in the form of a housing crisis last year and sought relief at the doorstep of a shelter. Most never imagined losing their job, their savings and their home,” said Michelle Heritage, executive director of CSB.
The Day to End Homelessness campaign invites community members to become a Housing Hero by giving just $1 a day – a $30 monthly repeat contribution by credit card – to help people get off the streets and into housing. Donations can be made online anytime at daytoendhomelessness.org/ or by calling toll free 855-746-10TV on Wednesday, January 22.
Trends underscore the significant need:
· People are turning to shelters in record numbers. Over the last three years, the Community Shelter Board’s shelters have served 65% more families and 14% more single men and women.
· More than 2,400 children were homeless last year.
· 67% of families entering emergency shelter have never before experienced homelessness.
· On too many nights, adults have nowhere to go – turned away from shelters that are filled to capacity.
· Poverty continues to be a problem in Columbus with rates as high as 20% – that’s one out of every five people. Our housing is becoming increasingly expensive – topping Cincinnati, Nashville, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Minneapolis and other cities that we benchmark ourselves against.
“A dollar a day is about the same as a daily cup of coffee. But that’s all it takes to shelter a family and help them into secure futures and stable homes. If we all help just a little, everyone will have a safe place to call home,” Heritage said.
In addition to co-sponsoring the Day to End Homelessness campaign, approximately Safelite AutoGlass employees are donating their time to the phone bank, and many routinely volunteer at one of CSB’s kitchens.
About the Community Shelter Board
Community Shelter Board, established in 1986, is a public-private partnership organization that creates collaborations, innovates solutions, and invests in quality programs to end homelessness in Columbus and Franklin County. Community Shelter Board oversees an annual budget of $13 million to support homeless programs and services. Last year, these programs served more than 9,000 people. Community Shelter Board is funded by the City of Columbus, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the United Way of Central Ohio, The Columbus Foundation, Nationwide Insurance Foundation, American Electric Power Foundation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of Ohio, and other public and private investors. For more information, visit www.csb.org.
About The Safelite AutoGlass® Foundation
Safelite AutoGlass® – the nation’s leading provider of vehicle glass repair and replacement services – is committed to be a responsible member of the communities where we live and work. This includes those outside our doorstep and those across the world. As such the company supports employees’ charitable endeavors while also being a large fundraiser.
The Safelite AutoGlass® Foundation was created in 2005 as the 501(c)(3) giving arm of the company aimed at supporting organizations that promote the health and well-being of families through monetary and in-kind contributions and volunteer hours.
The Safelite AutoGlass® Foundation is set up as a separate entity, governed by company employees from the corporate offices and the field organization. The Foundation administers giving on behalf of Safelite® and its employees, disbursing aid to approved causes or charities, and organizing many giving initiatives in communities where our associates live and work.