Our summer charity event, “Laps for Lunches”, allowed E.E. Ward to continue to support The Columbus YWCA Family Center, which provides temporary shelter to homeless families. While providing shelter and meals to families is of the utmost importance, the shelter goes beyond fulfilling basic necessities. The shelter aims to find each family permanent housing within 21 days of arrival at the shelter. This is achieved through the use of advocates, benefits assistance, and childcare. Family advocates mainly aid in the job and housing search process, while also providing education on economic development. Computers at the center expedite this process, and volunteers assist with any further questions families may have when doing research. The center also provides a list of businesses that are hiring and a list of property owners willing to rent to these families. This second list is vital since low credit scores and poor finances often lead to a very difficult housing search. As Jessica Wichtman-Will with the YWCA stated, they work to “establish relationships in communities so that there are options for families in both safe and affordable neighborhoods.” Next, the center’s bank site allows families to apply for snap benefits, social security, and medical assistance all in one place. Additionally, the center’s childcare program enables parents to search for these solutions knowing that their child is in a safe and nurturing learning environment. At any time, the center holds an average of around 55 families or roughly 200 hundred individuals. E.E. Ward is grateful to assist The YWCA Family Center with this large undertaking and hopes to continue supporting the community for many years to come. To learn more about the YWCA please visit their site below.