Aug 18, 2013 2 min read

Nearly $10,000 has been contributed to charitable funds established at community foundations in Washington and Greene counties as part of the Observer-Reporter’s ongoing No Place to Call Home initiative.

Since the series’ launch in April, $7,000 was deposited at the Washington County Community Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Greene County received $2,962. Another $2,500 has been pledged by Washington Health System.

The newspaper partnered with the two foundations to raise money for local agencies that provide support and programming for members of the homeless communities in the two counties.

Newspaper employees, too, have demonstrated support for the project, hosting a benefit lunch at the series kickoff. Another larger fundraiser is planned for later this year.

“We established the No Place to Call Home funds as a way to expand our impact beyond creating community awareness of homelessness in our community,” said Lucy Corwin, director of news for the newspaper. “The staff involved in the project have become personally involved, donating time and money. The Observer-Reporter supports their efforts, and we will use 100 percent of the money raised to provide grants to organizations that provide services to the local homeless population.”

Donations may be made by visiting the Washington County Community Foundation’s website at www.wccf.net and clicking on “For Donors,” then “List of Funds” and “No Place to Call Home: Homeless Fund.”

In Greene County, contributions may be mailed to the Community Foundation of Greene County, P.O. Box 678, Waynesburg, PA, 15370. Please specify “No Place to Call Home Fund” on the check.

All money collected will be distributed back into both counties at the culmination of the project.

Agencies that provide services for the homeless will be given instructions on how to apply for grants later this year.

The final installment of the series will be published in late fall.