Location

The Wallingford Emergency Shelter (WES) seeks to assist low-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness through meeting the immediate needs of shelter and food while providing in-depth case management. Our mission is primarily focused on empowering individuals and families in crisis towards independence and self sufficiency with the ultimate goal of permanent housing within 50 days for individuals and 120 days for families. WES now extends services to the initial prevention before as well as follow up care after an episode of homelessness through client centered outreach and collaborative efforts with statewide and local agencies.

History of WES In 1986 the local church community of Wallingford banded together in an attempt to provide aid for the homeless population on a person to person level. Volunteers assisted the underprivileged through meeting their primary needs of food, shelter, and human kindness.

After 10 years of serving within the walls of various churches WES acquired the old family bank building, our current emergency shelter location serving single adults, in 1996.

Some Facts and Numbers: Total number of beds: 15, five for females, ten for males. Maximum length of stay per guest: 50 nights Average number of meals served : 900/month (including lunches) Average number of take-away meals: 180/month Two kitchen volunteers per night

2012 the Martin B Rubin family center was created. Since then, 20 families with 35 children have found refuge within those two units

In July 0f 2015 the Fred Ulbrich Jr family center was opened. Since then 2 families with 2 children have found a safe haven as they transition into a new life.

Family Housing Facts: Four units, two-bedroom each, open to families with children. Each family has transitioned into permanent housing in 120 days or less. Each adult client meets with the case manager to establish performance goals and objectives and to assess progress. The case manager serves as a support and advocate on a multitude of levels for the family.

Today, as in past years, the shelter is a community wide effort being staffed primarily by volunteers, around 100 annually, serving in various roles such as food prep, cleaning, donations, and serving meals.

The Future of WES Ongoing support of the most vulnerable through direct service, follow up care, and preventative outreach and engagement. Working more closely with other community wide agencies on both the local, state and federal levels. Implementation of other programs such as the Rapid Re-housing model along other time tested best practice models.

THANK YOU for YOUR CONTINUOUS SUPPORT Thanks to the many volunteers, donations, support, and behind-the-scene actions by so many of you. Without your help this would not be possible