Donor loans Harker Street house to Reaching Out Ministries

MANSFIELD - Reaching Out Ministries has found a new home, at least temporarily.

"Someone loaned us a house on Harker Street," founder Angie Henke said. "We're going to open that up for the winter."

The address is 356 Harker St. The donor wants to remain anonymous. 

"It will be the same as last year," Henke said of the arrangement at the drop-off center. "We'll open it when it's 25 or below (at night). People can stay in for the night, and they'll have a meal."

Henke said the shelter will be open some days, too, but details are not final.

The news is a godsend to Henke and Reaching Out Ministries, a Mansfield-based mission shelter. 

Reaching Out's lease at its previous location, 30 N. Mulberry St., ran out in late September. 

Henke sought a new site because the North Mulberry Street property did not offer washer and dryer services and a shower.

She found a potential place at 70 Hedges St. It offered more room and the ability to have a washer/dryer and a shower.

Unfortunately, the place is going to require a lot of electrical, plumbing and carpentry upkeep. 

"It needs a lot of work, and that's costly," Henke said. "It's just going to take a lot longer to get it ready than we thought."

The nonprofit agency has no funding source, instead relying on donations and volunteers.

That's why the Harker Street home is such welcome news. It offers a washer/dryer and a shower.

"I'm so excited," Henke said. "In the long run, a house is better for us."

Plans are to open the Harker Street home on Thanksgiving Day. Reaching Out will be there at least through Easter of next year.

"We'll see how it goes," Henke said. "They (donors) will let us stay there as long as we need."

And there is a need.

"Last weekend, I had three agencies call about homeless people who had nowhere else to go," Henke said.

Henke said homeless people often have only the clothes on their back.

"Washing your clothes is a big deal. Taking a shower is a big deal," he said.

In earlier Facebook posts, Henke said she did not think the Hedges Street property would be ready until after the new year.

She also didn't think people would be able to sleep there overnight "because of codes and permits."

Henke started Reaching Out in 2011, operating out of her car. Members communicated via a Facebook group before finding a facility on East Fifth Street.

Operated by volunteers, the ministry has helped many people in the last few years. All funds go directly to those in need in the community.

Henke is getting a jump on the holiday season. She will distribute 100 food baskets starting at 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the Hilltop Apartments on Koogle Road.

"We're very thankful for all the community's help," Henke said. "We've all got to love people together."

For more information, visit Reaching Out's Facebook page or call Henke at 419-612-2217. 

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

Twitter: @MNJCaudill