‘Welcome Home’: Easing the homelessness transition in Fargo
For some moving into an apartment can seem like an exciting experience, but imagine what it would be like if you moved into an apartment after being homeless.
When your homeless, everything you own is carried with you every day. Finally having a place to call your own can feel like success, but it can also be very lonely and very empty. That’s where the Fargo Salvation Army comes in, providing a “welcome home” basket to help alleviate any new home anxiety and meet the most immediate needs.
When you move into a new place, essentials are needed to turn a house into a home. The “welcome home” baskets double as laundry baskets and include:
- Plates, cups, bowls
- Toilet brush
- Laundry basket
- Laundry detergent
- Broom
- Mop
- Towels
- Washcloth
- Silverware
- Hand soap
- Dish soap
- Bowls
- Shower curtain
- Bath mat
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Soap
The “welcome home” idea developed after a new initiative was put into place in the Fargo-Moorhead area called the Housing Navigators. The Housing Navigators work with the most chronically homeless individuals to help get them into housing and provide follow-up support to ensure they stay there. The “welcome home” basket plays an essential role.
First recipient
The first “welcome home” basket was delivered to Janice (pictured). She lived in homeless shelters for about eight months before she was finally able to find a house. Janice told us when she first arrived it used to be really difficult to fall asleep, but thanks to all of the support and help she’s received, things are starting to get easier.
Our ability to help those who struggle with homelessness cannot be done without the support of others and it starts with you.
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering or making a donation to support your local community today.