How can I help?
Star Journal staff
Over the past several weeks the Star Journal, in conjunction with our sister Multi-Media Channels newspapers and others across the state, highlighted the issue of homelessness in our communities. We have been asked, “How can I help?” It’s a question that did not surprise us, considering the generosity of Rhinelander residents. Following is a list of several opportunities to help those who help the homeless and less fortunate among us; a list of some of the resources available for people in need is also included.
OPPORTUNITIES
Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing and Frederick Place
• Meals: Frederick Place relies on community members and organizations to provide the evening meal each day. A Signup Genius schedule is available on nathnorthwoods.com, where information for meal providers can be found
• Wish list: Items that are needed to keep the house running smoothly
Garbage bags, disinfectant wipes, laundry detergent (HE), fabric softener sheets, dishwasher soap, toilet bowl cleaner, gallon zip bags, sugar, deodorant for men and women, wood floor cleaner; Kwik Trip “fuel only” gift cards, Home Depot, Menards, Ace Hardware gift cards, Walmart gift cards and haircut gift certificates
• Attend fundraising events or buy a raffle ticket
• “Adopt a Resident” program at Christmas
• New volunteer program for the new year: 20 in ’20. Volunteer 20 hours in 2020
Rhinelander Personal Essentials Pantry (PEP)
• Wish list:
All purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, dish soap, bar soap, shampoo, toilet paper, deodorant, combs, sanitary pads, tampons, baby wipes, diapers, band aids, tooth paste/brushes, dental floss, denture adhesive/cleaner/brushes, razors, shaving cream.
• Cash donations also accepted
• New volunteers always welcome. Call 715-362-2091
Warm for Winter
Drop box located at the First Congregational UCC Church, 135 E. Larch St., Rhinelander. Accepts new and gently worn items
Rhinelander Area Food Pantry
Donation drop off hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon. A variety of volunteer opportunties exist
RESOURCES
• Frederick Place: A 16-bed temporary shelter operated by the non-profit Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing (NATH), located at 204 W, Frederick St., Rhinelander. It exists to provide safe housing and basic needs to families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness. NATH’s service area includes Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Vilas and Oneida counties. Admittance is on a first come, first served basis, depending on availability. For more information, call 715-369-9777 or visit www.nathnorthwoods.com.
• Warm for Winter Clothing Pantry: held the last Saturday of the month, 10 a.m.- noon at 900 Boyce Dr., Rhinelander. Free clothing for all ages, footwear, bedding in various sizes and types. No paperwork, questions asked or income requirements. For more information, call Jan, 715-362-7157.
• Rhinelander Area Food Pantry: 627 Coon St., Rhinelander. Food distribution 3-6 p.m. Mondays, 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Available for Oneida County residents with a household income less than 185% of poverty level. Bring photo ID, piece of first class mail dated within the last 30 days showing name and address; do the same for every adult living in the home; for children under age 18, bring either a birth certificate, immunization record, recent report card, BadgerCare insurance card or a piece of first class mail dated within the last 30 days showing name and address. Visit www.rhinelanderareafoodpantry.org for more information, or call 715-369-RAFP.
• Personal Essentials Pantry: Provides basic products necessary for personal and household cleanliness and good health. Distribution is the second Monday of the month, 3:30-5:30 p.m., and the last Saturday of the month, 9 a.m.-noon at the First Unitetd Methodist Church in Rhinelander. New clients should bring documentation of food pantry, WIC, BadgerCare or Food Share program participation.
• School District of Rhinelander: School-age children who meet a federal definition of homeless qualify for certain benefits and resources. Contact SDR homeless liaison Mary Rudis at 715-365-9771 for more information.
• Rhinelander Salvation Army emergency help line: 715-360-5826.
• United Way’s 211: A one-stop connection to local information, referrals, advocacy, crisis intervention and more. Available 24/7/365. Access by dialing 2-1-1.
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