Cots for the Homeless

Written by: Kate Snyder

I never cease to be amazed by how awesome our volunteers are. We have a fantastic group of individuals who regularly give their time to EECM. They all deserve serious commendation for all that they do, but some really go above and beyond.

Take Wil, a volunteer with our homeless programs. If that name sounds familiar, it's because I've mentioned him before (click here and here). Wil regularly volunteers in our Men's Emergency Shelter and, through his interactions with EECM staff, he noticed that the shelter could really use some more camping cots.

Our shelter is licensed to house 24 men. On most nights, we shelter more like 30. We try not to turn people away if it can be avoided and so we sleep the overflow guests on cots in the dining room. But they tend to break and we were running short.

But not for long -- it's Super Wil to the rescue! Wil recruited friends and family to contribute funds to purchase new cots. He found out what type we use, ordered them, and had them shipped to EECM. And just like that, we had new cots.

I cannot say enough what an amazing gift this was. Not only because the cots are great (which they are) but because Wil made it so easy for us. He did all the work -- fundraising and ordering -- because he saw a need to be met. And we appreciate him for it.

Many thanks also to everyone who contributed money for the new cots. They're perfect!