The Fall brings the re-opening of The Refuge in Otsego County, a homeless program for those experiencing homelessness in Otsego County. Starting its 11th season, the Refuge is under new day to day management. “We are excited to announce that Judi Doan, a long-time Gaylord resident and community activist has accepted the role of Shelter Coordinator upon the retirement of Chris Czajkowski,” said Sue Smith, President of the Refuge. “She brings a history deep in community involvement and service to others; most will remember her as the long- time Assistant Director of Community Mediation Services, the 2015 Der Buergermeister for Alpenfest, multi-time Past President of Kiwanis, active RSVP volunteer, and someone always ready to pitch in to solve a problem. We feel very fortunate that she has decided to join in our mission.”
 

The Refuge opened again October 3rd and is already very busy. Its mission is to provide emergency shelter to those who are literally homeless during the cold months through short-term use of local hotel rooms. It provides those in need a few days to have safe, warm shelter, housing resource assistance, and help to navigate community resources while considering next steps toward more permanent housing. It guides clients to area social services far beyond just housing resources enabling them to address all causes of their homelessness. Anyone who is experiencing homelessness can call The Refuge at 989-350-8231 or visit the Refuge office in the United Way building at 116 E. 5 th Street, Gaylord. Office hours are 9am- 1pm M-W-F and noon to 4 pm T-Th. The website also provides an opportunity to request help or to make referrals for assistance at www.otsegorefuge.org.
 

In looking back at her first month with the Refuge, Doan identifies the biggest challenge as the clear lack of enough low-income housing for the number of clients who need it. “The number of clients is going up but the availability of low income/affordable housing has gone down. We are experiencing a very difficult time finding housing for clients – despite the fact that many are working. If we can’t find an answer to the shortage of housing we are going to lose valuable resources in our workforce and in our community. The situation is serious,” she concluded. If you have a housing unit to rent to clients of The Refuge, please call 989-350-8231 or email coordinatorattherefuge@gmail.com. If you would like to donate to support the work of the Refuge, you may do so electronically at www.otsegorefuge.org or you can send a check made payable to “The Refuge” to P.O. Box 44, Gaylord, MI 49734. The Refuge is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.