Main fundraiser photo

Veterans Homeless

Fifth Street Renaissance (FSR) is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization that has been providing prevention, housing and other supportive services to the homeless for more than 30 years in Springfield Illinois.  In late 2012, the agency opened the first shelter in the capitol city to exclusively serve the needs of homeless veterans that currently houses 15 homeless and/or disabled male Veterans.

When we imagine a homeless Veteran, our image does not immediately bring to mind that of a female homeless veteran.  But, officials say that  the fastest-growing segment of the homeless veteran population is women. Up to 30% of homeless and 40% of near homeless female veterans have children in their custody.  Homelessness for female Veterans increased by 7% from 2016 to 2017 compared to 1% for male Veterans.

Fifth Street Renaissance currently serves homeless Veterans (female or family) with children by putting them in a hotel for a few days so they are not left on the street, in a car or an abandoned building.  This practice is cost prohibitive and merely a band aid to the real healing from homelessness and all of the issues which caused the homelessness.  These women and their children have nowhere to turn, no way to put food on a table they don't even have... and winter is coming.  But with your help, we can bring hope to these fragile families where there currently is none. 

Fifth Street Renaissance has purchased and is renovating 1520 North 7th Street, Springfield Illinois, to provide permanent supportive housing to female Veterans and Veteran families who are homeless.  While we have raised funding to purchase the property and complete most renovations; we must raise an additional $300,000+ to make the facility energy efficient, secure and furnished with appliances, furniture, linens, window coverings, etc.

Once complete, homeless Veteran residents (females and families) will live in the property while receiving a multitude of services to provide them the skills, resources and support necessary to empower them from homelessness to independence.  Please help us to help those who have so selflessly served our country.

Additionally, on November 9-10, MB Heating and Cooling will host a "Box City" fundraiser at 1555 West Jefferson, Springfield Illinois to assist us in raising the funds needed to complete this project and begin housing homeless female Veterans and homeless Veteran families.  We are looking for corporate, business and church sponsors, participants and volunteers for this event as well.
Donate

Donations 

  • MICHAEL LANSDEN
    • $50 
    • 2 yrs
  • Jill Cliburn
    • $40 
    • 2 yrs
  • Elizabeth Langen
    • $50 
    • 2 yrs
  • Kara Davis
    • $50 
    • 2 yrs
  • Lani Vivirito
    • $50 
    • 2 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Penny Powell
Organizer
Springfield, IL
Fifth Street Renaissance
 
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.

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