LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A donation to the Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana is coming at a critical time as the shelter faces growing demand and lack of funding.
A donation to the Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana is coming at a critical time as the shelter faces growing demand and lack of funding.
This week, the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana (CFSI) announced a $10,000 donation to the Coalition.
Leslea Townsend Cronin, of the Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana, said the donation is “significant” for the shelter’s operation, especially following the loss of federal COVID relief funds in 2023. Townsend Cronin said the nonprofit faced an $83,000 shortfall after the funding was cut.
“We’re very grateful,” Townsend Cronin said. “This allows us to keep our doors open and continue offering a warm, safe place for people who need it.”
The White Flag Shelter provides emergency overnight accommodations for unhoused individuals and their pets when temperatures fall below 35 degrees. It has been serving 60 to 70 people each night due to recent frigid weather. With the surge in demand, the shelter has faced increased costs for staffing, food, and supplies. However, thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the coalition has been able to manage.
Townsend Cronin said it costs an average $93 per person a night.
The $10,000 donation is made up of $5,000 from CFSI and another $5,000 from an anonymous donor.
In addition to the $10,000 donation to the shelter, the CFSI awarded $21,000 in grants to the Homeless Coalition to help develop a strategic plan. This support will allow the coalition as it explores long-term solutions, including the potential development of a permanent shelter.
The donation was part of CFSI’s Capacity Building and Community Assist grant programs, which assists nonprofits serving Clark and Floyd counties by addressing operating needs and funding projects.
CFSI president and CEO Linda Speed emphasized the importance of supporting local organizations to improve the quality of life for residents in southern Indiana.
“Through our year-round grant cycles, we’ve witnessed the immense value of providing local organizations with timely access to funding,” Speed said. “This model allows our Foundation to fulfill its mission while supporting the unique goals of each organization. It also solidifies our leadership in the community, helping to improve the quality of life for all who call this region home.”
The White Flag Shelter in Southern Indiana will operate through April 15 when temperatures are below 35 degrees.
To learn more about the Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana, click here.
Leslea Townsend Cronin, of the Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana, said the donation is “significant” for the shelter’s operation, especially following the loss of federal COVID relief funds in 2023. Townsend Cronin said the nonprofit faced an $83,000 shortfall after the funding was cut.
“We’re very grateful,” Townsend Cronin said. “This allows us to keep our doors open and continue offering a warm, safe place for people who need it.”
The White Flag Shelter provides emergency overnight accommodations for unhoused individuals and their pets when temperatures fall below 35 degrees. It has been serving 60 to 70 people each night due to recent frigid weather. With the surge in demand, the shelter has faced increased costs for staffing, food, and supplies. However, thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the coalition has been able to manage.
Townsend Cronin said it costs an average $93 per person a night.
The $10,000 donation is made up of $5,000 from CFSI and another $5,000 from an anonymous donor.
In addition to the $10,000 donation to the shelter, the CFSI awarded $21,000 in grants to the Homeless Coalition to help develop a strategic plan. This support will allow the coalition as it explores long-term solutions, including the potential development of a permanent shelter.
The donation was part of CFSI’s Capacity Building and Community Assist grant programs, which assists nonprofits serving Clark and Floyd counties by addressing operating needs and funding projects.
CFSI president and CEO Linda Speed emphasized the importance of supporting local organizations to improve the quality of life for residents in southern Indiana.
“Through our year-round grant cycles, we’ve witnessed the immense value of providing local organizations with timely access to funding,” Speed said. “This model allows our Foundation to fulfill its mission while supporting the unique goals of each organization. It also solidifies our leadership in the community, helping to improve the quality of life for all who call this region home.”
The White Flag Shelter in Southern Indiana will operate through April 15 when temperatures are below 35 degrees.
To learn more about the Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana, click here.
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