A local organization in Greene County is seeking the public’s help with donations for a worthy cause.

The Greene County Homeless Coalition is inviting everyone to the Community Thanksgiving Service at Central Christian Church in Jefferson on Sunday. The offering that is collected during the service will be given to the homeless coalition, which will help their efforts to provide short-term hotel stays for those experiencing homelessness in Greene County.

Co-Chair Andy McGinn says the Greene County Clergy Association is also setting up an account, under their umbrella, at Home State Bank in Jefferson. Once this account is established, the homeless coalition will be able to accept financial donations and improve their funds to help provide additional hotel stays. 

McGinn points out they are also creating a memorandum of understanding with the Bridge Home of Ames. This would be that the Greene County Homeless Coalition would be the first point of contact for law enforcement, emergency services, the clergy and other local entities of someone who is homeless. McGinn says other resources they would also be able to provide include the first night or two at a hotel, along with a visit to the local food pantry. He adds, Bridge Home would then take over with long-term assistance. 

McGinn and Co-Chair Kyle Kinne are available for anyone needing assistance with homelessness. Call McGinn at 515-370-2487 or Kinne at 515-370-0219.