The Harbour House residents have a great friend in Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago
The Harbour House, providing emergency shelter for young women who are experiencing homelessness, has benefitted from a second phase of improvements to the facility, completed recently by the passionate and skilled volunteers from an anonymous sponsor and Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago.
"The goal of the work was to repair a host of issues that were either an eye-sore or that were critical to preserving the longevity of the facility for our Shelter Program for girls ages 12 to 21," said Kris Salyards, LCSW, Executive Director, The Harbour, Park Ridge, IL. Visit: www.TheHarbour.org
The Harbour House, located in Des Plaines and opened in the early 70s, works with girls and their families to alleviate the immediate crisis and ensure that they receive necessary stabilizing services." The program helps prevent family violence and child abuse by providing crisis intervention and conflict resolution designed to strengthen the ability of youth and families to engage, feel supported, see progress and come to a resolution," Salyards added.
The number of improvements completed at The Harbour in one day were astounding. The team effort was equally impressive: 58 volunteers (including several associated with The Harbour) worked diligently as a coordinated team during a six hour period. Together, they provided approximately 348 hours of skilled labor to get the job done efficiently and in a highly professional manner.
"This contribution was invaluable and each project was carefully selected by Chad Ruckauf, our Program Manager from Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago," Salyards said. Visit: http://www.rebuildingtogether-chi.com/ The work was made possible by an anonymous sponsor who provided the talented volunteers and funding for the project.
"Chad and I worked together to determine the needs and priorities of the repair projects. He then determined what could be done and arranged for the volunteers and the materials. Teams were organized for each project and determined if it could be completed in the day.
In this case, I would say that there were far more hours contributed to the project than just the day itself because the resources that Rebuilding Together brought to the table were above and beyond The Harbour's capacity."
Ruckauf proudly points out the team spirit that ensued during the productive work day. "The good vibes were contagious. It was fun to watch the group interact in a completely different environment where bosses (in their day jobs) became helpers and how they laughed while working so hard."
"Repairs like these may have never been prioritized," Salyards said, "but are essential and greatly improve the function of the home and comfort of our young people. Environment matters to everyone.
"When you are living in a space that feels clean and in good repair, it can help lift your spirits, promote a sense of well-being, and help organize your life and thoughts. An endeavor such as this creates not only a safer and healthier home; our youth realize that the community cares about them and values The Harbour's work," Salyards added.
The work included aesthetic improvements such as painting the dining room and the upstairs, tearing out bushes and overgrowth on the front of the property, and clearing the back of the property of weeds and overgrowth. New landscaping was installed around the perimeter of the house and walkways repaired.
Salyards reflected on the day and what was accomplished: "I am humbled to know that the community values The Harbour and our services and brought such a remarkable crew to the house. I am also honored that more than 50 people spent the day with us to provide such improvements to the house so that our young people can live in a home they are proud of."
"On a personal note," Salyards added, "I had the opportunity to build relationships with individuals from the group who are inspired by our mission and want to help. This is all we can ask for to help today's kids become tomorrow's leaders - and this is a common interest for all of us."
About The Harbour: www.harbour.org
The Harbour is a 501(c)3 organization providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services to youth aged 12-21 and who are experiencing homelessness in the north and northwest Chicago suburbs. It is committed to offering services rooted in the belief that youth must have their basic needs met before they can begin to build a promising future for themselves.
For over 40 years, The Harbour has been there to offer safe, stable housing to these youth and provide parenting that may be absent in their own lives. Thousands of youth have passed through its doors who were deflected from homelessness and are now living independently.
Contact The Harbour, located at 1440 Renaissance Drive, Suite 240, Park Ridge: 847-297-8540.