Let’s Wash Away Homelessness! In early September, College Greens Wash & Dry announced its first annual Day of Giving charity event to be held on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at the Laundromat. This year’s theme was Let’s Wash Away Homelessness! The Day of Giving benefits the Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center (SAEHC). College Greens Wash & Dry donated 100% of its profits on the Day of Giving, October 20th. There were raffles for prizes, refreshments, music, and a box for donation items. All proceeds went to SAEHC. Owners Michelle Mariano and Eric Riddell were drawn to SAEHC’s mission because of the organization’s profound force in moving homeless families and individuals in our community to independence and self-confidence. Started as a Family Shelter program in 1972 for seven homeless families, SAEHC now serves about 1,650 participants each year in 11 programs. On average, 68% of those served are children. SAEHC has the only emergency shelter in SacramentoCounty where parents and children can stay together while getting the resources they need.
Those searching refuge find encouragement and help at SAEHC’s shelter. A former participant, Diane said, “I was escaping from an abusive husband and I didn’t know where to go I’m glad there are people besides my family that believe in me. I wouldn’t be here [Mather Community Campus] without the great staff at Women’s Refuge. I love them all.” SAEHC instills confidence and hope one person, one family at a time. To learn about SAEHC go to www.saehc.org.
