SHELTER HAS RECORD REQUESTS
February 2023 - The Refuge has received record requests for help this shelter season. As of 2/19, The Refuge has spent more than three times its annual housing budget, including a record number of families with children seeking help. If you can help, please donate today through this website or by writing a check to "The Refuge" and sending it to P.O. Box 44, Gaylord, MI 49734. The shelter season is October 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023 - we still have three more months to go in this season. Your help is urgently needed to help us to continue this important work. Thank you.
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.