Every challenge is a chance to make things better

Vox Pop

I am a firm believer in the quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. I appreciate those in our community doing just that, those who are working on projects or issues they feel strongly about. What I find disappointing is when people sit back and complain about a project they are not fully informed on.

Taylor County Supportive Housing is a Non-Profit Organization pursuing a homeless shelter in the City of Medford. Since creating the organization in 2018 they have held multiple fundraisers to begin funding the operational costs to run a shelter. They held a brat fry and basket raffle in both 2020 and 2021. During the winter months last year, they held a shirt fundraiser. The organizations’ director held one cupcake drive that sold out within an hour and will hold a second one at the Farmer’s Market on October 16th beginning at 8am until she sells out of cupcakes. All proceeds go towards the Homeless Shelter. This last weekend they worked at a concession stand and the proceeds from the sales that day went to the shelter. There is a spaghetti dinner coming up on November 23rd at the First Baptist Church from 4-7. The whole month of October they are selling “Little Homes for the Homeless” at community businesses including Beauty by Joan, Vintage Naturals, The Gift Shop, Uncommon Ground, Taylored Nutrition and Klingbeil Lumber with all donations going towards the shelter. On their Facebook page you can see their Room Sponsorship Campaign currently where area businesses can donate to help support the expenses of rooms in the shelter.

This group has been meeting for over 3 years with a dedicated board of directors. They have received United Way funding for the last 2 years and will again this year. They have ongoing support from the Salvation Army. Aspirus Foundation gave them an amazing donation this year. There have been numerous donations from local individuals and businesses that support the cause and are looking to help move this project forward. Taylor County Supportive Housing has a local accountant on their board who is assisting with all aspects of their financials. There are currently multiple pending applications out for different funding sources. They are working hard to assist the homeless population in Taylor County. Did you know that there are multiple families and individuals in our community right now sleeping in vehicles, tents, and campers? Did you know that year to date over $16,423 has been spent in Medford on motel nights for those who had no where else to sleep? Did you know that after the few nights provided, these individuals go back to homelessness because we currently don’t have a shelter?

Although the group may not have had all the funds needed for the purchase and renovations of a shelter building, I’d rather focus on what they do have. They have a dedicated board of directors on a mission to see this project through. They have ongoing funding sources for the operational costs to run the shelter. They have multiple yearly fundraisers they will continue to hold to raise money for the shelter. Additionally, there are many community members behind this group and supporting them in their efforts to help those who struggle with housing insecurities in our community. “There is nothing more important than a good, safe, secure home.” I encourage all of you to find your passion and be the change you wish to see in the world. Do something worthwhile with your time and energy. Get involved in your community. Every challenge is nothing more than a chance to make things better.

— Jessica Mudgett, Taylor County Supportive Housing