LOCAL REFUGE HOMELESS SHELTER COORDINATOR RETIRING
Chris Czajkowski is retiring from her position as Refuge Shelter Coordinator effective October 1. Chris, affectionately known as “Chris CZ” to all who have crossed her path, has decided to leave our area to be closer to her family. “Chris will be sorely missed, said Sue Smith, Shelter Board President. She has been a huge part of this program for several years. We are so grateful for her service and wish her well in this new chapter in her life.”
Chris CZ has been Shelter Coordinator for the last five years. While she has been the heart of the Shelter’s efforts to house the homeless during the winter months, she also stepped up to guide the Refuge’s program to serve more than 90 survivors displaced by the May 2022 tornado.
“I am looking forward to this new stage of my life. I appreciate that some of those I have helped continue to stay in touch – to say hello – let me know how they are doing, or if they encounter a bump in the road – they ask direction. They have become like family and many referred others to me for help. I want to thank all those organizations and individuals who are such a big part of our community network to match individuals with housing and local services.
Our goal is always to help individuals find a more permanent housing solution before they left our program, and I think we did that.” Chris said. To honor and to thank Chris for her tireless work, The Refuge Board is sponsoring a retirement party in her honor on Thursday, September 28, from 4:30-6 pm at the First Congregational Church, 218 W. 2 nd Street, Gaylord. Light food and refreshments will be served. All are welcome to join in this celebration.
The Board is looking for someone to step into Chris’ role at The Refuge. “It will not be easy to replace Chris with her unique talents and background but we are looking for someone part-time for the next shelter season starting October 1 and we appreciate her willingness to help train her replacement – but that is so Chris!
We hope that all those who appreciate Chris’ contribution to our community will turn out to stay thanks and wish her well in this next
adventure in her life,” concluded Smith. Interested applicants should contact Sue Smith at therefugeinotsegocounty@gmail.com.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE DISPLACED BY OTSEGO COUNTY TORNADO
989-732-8929
RELIEF FOR OVER 30 OTSEGO HOUSEHOLD TORNADO SURVIVORS
Since May 20, The Refuge has helped 92 people, including children, in more than 30 households, by providing more than 1600 overnight stays in local commercial and private accommodations. The Refuge continues to help those displaced by the May tornado devastation. If help is still needed, a call to case management services at (989) 293-5478 is the first step. Please ask for Katie in tornado case management services. You may also visit case management services at E-Free Church, 1649 E. M-32, Gaylord. You are encouraged to call to set up an appointment.
HOUSING NEEDS UNRELATED TO THE TORNADO
If you are homeless but are not a tornado survivor, please call The Refuge 989-732-8929 (United Way switchboard), identify your need as “housing” and ask for The Refuge. You may also visit The Refuge Office located at the Otsego County United Way at 116 E. Fifth St., Gaylord. No appointment necessary. The office will be open 10 am – 3 pm.
OTHER IMPORTANTS CONTACTS FOR SERVICES IN OTSEGO COUNTY: DIAL “211”.
HELP A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER
If you know of someone who needs housing services, please call The Refuge Office at 989-732-8929 and ask for The Refuge or submit a confidential referral on this website. Thank you for your assistance.
Change Lives
We provide overnight emergency shelter in Otsego County during the colder months – moving individuals from cars, tents, or other living arrangements, to safe accommodations.
Help to Guide
Homeless services are available but few know how to access them. The Refuge acts as “navigator” to help individuals find the resources they need and to create a “Moving Forward Plan” so they can go from homeless to housed.
Provide Hope
We provide breathing room - a rest from the stress of homelessness - so individuals can concentrate on next steps to end their homelessness.
Provide Stability
We provide housing until clients can, working their Moving Forward Plan, get themselves started on a new positive path.
In Gratitude
Over the years, the Refuge has enjoyed the financial support of so many - area churches, friends and businesses providing gifts of money and in-kind services. We are so grateful for the continuing assistance over the past few years of various funds of the Otsego Community Foundation.
In 2021, The Barbara and Frank Rock Family Fund of OCF generously provided funding so we could re-establish, expand, and update this website. Thank you all.