Changing lives
ACCESS supports women and children experiencing homelessness. Here’s how you can make a difference.
Since 1984, ACCESS Emergency Shelter has fought to end homelessness for women and children in Summit County. Serving as the primary low-barrier shelter in the area, ACCESS welcomes women and children of all backgrounds and needs.
This February, ACCESS Emergency Shelter for women and children is launching a new month-long campaign that invites you to be its “Galentine.” This local shelter is encouraging its community to host small donation-based gatherings that raise funds while celebrating friendship and giving back to women in need. Marketing and Communications Coordinator Eleni Pamboukis explains that participation is simple and flexible. “Supporters can host a dinner with friends, donate a portion of business sales or even organize a paint-and-sip event,” she says. “Any gathering can make an impact, and every contribution helps support ACCESS and the women and children we serve.”
An ACCESS representative can attend your event and present about the shelter’s services. Sign up to host your event at bit.ly/access_fundraise.
“To cap off this incredible month of giving and celebrating friendships, ACCESS is throwing a huge dance party on Friday, February 27 at 7 p.m.,” Eleni says.
The night will feature live music from The Ladies Night band, a silent auction, signature cocktails, and everyone is encouraged to wear pink. “So, rally your crew,” Eleni says, “Whether it’s your friends, coworkers, cousins or whoever makes you feel empowered, join us for a night of fun, friendship and fundraising.”
The campaign’s goal is to raise operational funds for the 501(c)(3) charity, as well as spread awareness.
Local, Grassroots Effort
Since 1984, ACCESS Emergency Shelter has fought to end homelessness for women and children in Summit County. Serving as the primary low-barrier shelter in the area, ACCESS welcomes women and children of all backgrounds and needs.
“As a low-barrier shelter, we embrace the Housing First philosophy, welcoming every resident who walks through our doors without judgment and meeting each person where they are to begin breaking down the barriers to permanent housing,” says Eleni. “Our mission is to provide a supportive environment that includes programs of education, advocacy and empowerment.”
Eleni is proud to report the success rate of finding permanent housing through ACCESS is more than double the national average—71% versus 32%.
There is not a day that goes by without more than 100 women on the ACCESS waitlist. More than half of those women have children with them and are living in cars, sleeping outside and waiting for a bed to become available at the shelter.
In addition to much-needed donations, Eleni mentions they are always on the lookout for volunteers to help serve meals, work the front desk, assist with childcare and even complete maintenance work. ACCESS also accepts new, tagged items like winter coats, boots and personal care items for all ages and genders.
You can meet the women and children whose lives ACCESS has transformed and learn about their inspiring success stories at ACCESS-Shelter.org.
ACCESS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
ACCESS Emergency Shelter
230 W. Market Street, Akron
Will You Be Their Galentine?
On Friday, February 27 at 7 p.m., don’t miss an evening of fun, friendship and fundraising, set at the gorgeous 1840 Manor House to benefit ACCESS. Dance to The Ladies Night band with its female empowerment anthems, enjoy tasty bites and a live auction. Pink attire is encouraged for all. The event is limited to 200 guests, so sign up while you can.
Get your tickets by visiting bit.ly/access_galentines. 1840 Manor House is located at 804 White Pond Drive in Akron.
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