Changing lives together: United Way, Amazon, and ILCAO’s One-Stop Center positively impact homeless community in Lawrence County

Changing lives together: United Way, Amazon, and ILCAO’s One-Stop Center positively impact homeless community in Lawrence County

A hidden crisis in Lawrence County

At the southernmost tip of Ohio in Lawrence County, official statistics might lead you to believe that homelessness is almost a non-issue, seemingly far below the averages for the state and the nation. However, if you take a closer look, especially during an evening walk in downtown Ironton, you’ll quickly discover reality doesn’t quite match those modest numbers.

This situation in Lawrence County presents a tough challenge. The rural environment and the unconventional nature of homelessness make it difficult to fully comprehend the scope of the issue using traditional metrics alone. Here, many individuals experiencing homelessness don’t fit the stereotypical mold—though some do. Rather than living on the streets, many rely on ‘non-traditional’ arrangements, like couch-surfing or staying with friends and family. It’s a dynamic that challenges the numerical data, exposing a concealed reality hidden beneath the surface.

Meeting needs as they emerge: the One-Stop Donation Closet

Despite the challenge being unhoused in a rural environment presents, there is one way Lawrence County and the OH-KY-WV tri-state community are helping — the One-Stop Donation Closet. Recent generous contributions have breathed new life into this initiative, offering a glimmer of hope in the ongoing struggle many community members experiencing homelessness face.

But that’s not the only glimmer of hope. Enter the Ironton-Lawrence Community Action Organization (ILCAO)’s Lawrence County One-Stop Center, a proud partner of the OhioMeansJobs Network. As a supportive services hub, the One-Stop provides essential assistance to community members in need, particularly those experiencing homelessness or other vulnerability.

Empowering lives despite challenges

“Lawrence County faces some tough challenges,” says Jewell Hackworth, Director of the One-Stop Center and ILCAO’s Empowering Services Department. Poverty, substance use, homelessness, and health issues weigh heavily on many residents’ shoulders. They’re resilient, but even the strongest struggle to meet their most basic needs.

The journey towards brighter days began with a simple act of kindness. Tara Herbert, the Engagement Coordinator at the United Way of the River Cities, started by offering care bags filled with essentials like water bottles, band-aids, and flashlights. What started as a small gesture soon evolved into a larger collaborative effort.

A lifeline in the One-Stop Donation Closet

During a visit to the One-Stop Center, Herbert connected with One-Stop employee Tammy Duncan. They explored the center’s services and resources, including the One-Stop Donation Closet. Initially established to collect student-contributed items six years ago, it has since expanded to include food and various personal health necessities. Designed to address the needs of those without homes, seniors, and low-income clients, the closet faced challenges, especially during the pandemic, with supply shortages. Currently, it primarily relies on staff donations.

Recognizing need, Herbert reached out to an Amazon contact, outlining the project’s objectives and goals. The response was immensely positive — Amazon committed to donating essential items. On August 25, a delivery arrived, including washcloths, soap, lip balm, rain ponchos, nail clippers, and deodorant.

Immediate impact for the tri-state community

Tracy Wydeck, ILCAO’s Housing Officer, works directly with clients who are homeless, connecting them with housing and resources from the One-Stop Donation Closet. She emphasizes the immediate impact of this donation, offering essential resources and rekindling motivation for clients in the OH-KY-WV tri-state area.

But the true goal of the One-Stop Donation Closet, according to Wydeck, is to provide temporary support that paves the way to long-term independence. “The endgame is to see homelessness ended,” she says. “Realistically, however, the goal is to catch those who fall and give them the boost they need to get back on their feet.”

Comprehensive support beyond emergency supplies

In addition to emergency supplies via the Donation Closet, visitors to the One-Stop Center gain access to a comprehensive continuum of supportive services. The One-Stop Center functions as a hub offering on-site sliding-fee health care, homeless supportive services, substance use disorder treatment, workforce resources (such as resume assistance and job training), early education services, and much more.

“It’s comprehensive, wraparound case management with supportive services,” says Wydeck. “If someone comes to us facing hardship, we’ll connect them with the right person and get them the help they need.”

A community united demonstrates the power of partnership

From the shadows of downtown Ironton to the welcoming doors of the One-Stop Center, Lawrence County’s response to the hidden homeless crisis is a testament to the power of collaboration. United Way, Amazon, and the One-Stop Center have demonstrated that together, we can confront these challenges, provide essential resources, and reignite hope for those who need it most.

The contributions donated by Amazon, facilitated through the support of the United Way of the River Cities, go directly to aid clients seeking help at the One-Stop Center. ILCAO and the One-Stop Center extend their sincere appreciation to these organizations for their generosity and dedication to creating a brighter future for clients and the entire community. With the support of organizations like United Way of the River Cities and Amazon, ILCAO’s One-Stop remains steadfast in its commitment to support those in need.

For more information about ILCAO’s One-Stop Center and the services offered, please visit www.omjlawrencecounty.org or stop by 120 N 3rd St, Ironton, OH 45638.