ROSCOMMON COUNTY- Roscommon County has a substantial group of folks considered homeless. Adults may be living in their vehicles, tents, or other types of structures.
Each of the Roscommon area school systems generally have nearly 150 students considered homeless, as the youngsters may be couch surfing, or living with other non-custodial friends or relatives.
Needful Things of Houghton Lake is one of several places in the county that can help those in need. Recently acquiring a 501-c3 designation, Laura at Needful Things can better track what she gives out, as well as those donating being able to record donations for their taxes.
Recently, a woman who had been homeless for over a year found housing and needed to outfit her new home with all her day-to-day items. Laura was able to give her many kitchen, bath, and bedroom items however, the woman is still in need of some larger pieces.
With the weather getting colder, those homeless are in danger of the cold. Needful Things needs help from the community to support what they do.
The current items needed are:
- blankets
- tarps to fit under and over tents or to cover belongings
- tube socks or other socks
- gloves/ mittens
- knit hats
- personal grooming items such as:
- shampoo/toothpaste/toothbrushes/menstrual pads/tissue
- gas cards/propane
In addition to helping the homeless, Laura also does a Princess Project, supplying dressy garments to girls and women for prom, homecoming, and weddings. Donated dresses are provided, and the ladies may shop as they normally would. This year she has given out thirty-eight dresses and two men’s outfits, three times what she has in the past. Laura has all garments laundered or cleaned when they are returned. Fancy or dressy dresses are needed, especially current shorter styles. Also needed, are larger sizes as those are in short supply.
Most referrals come through DHHS.
Needful Things is in the Save-a-Lot Mall. Laura may be reached at [email protected] or by calling the store at 989-202-2328.
To contact the writer, email [email protected]
