Greetings Friends,
Camp Unity Eastside is in transition. During the past several months, we have been working to help residents get into permanent housing through a new federal housing voucher program. So far, 12 residents moved to housing this year and we anticipate another 4 residents will move to housing within the next month.
These moves to housing would not have been possible without the care and generosity of many faith communities, individuals, and businesses, and the partnership of agencies and other organizations. Your support has truly made a significant difference in residents’ lives.
Also during this time, very few new residents have come into Camp Unity. Due to the challenge of operating and managing an outdoor encampment with so few people, the Camp Unity Board has decided to pause new admissions for now.
Given this transition, the Camp Unity Board is considering options and the best way to continue to serve those without homes while also meeting the needs of our church hosts. As part of this transition, the Camp Unity Eastside organization will continue and stay in contact with residents who moved to apartments for at least one year to help support transition needs and maintain stable housing, per our commitment under the Emergency Housing Voucher Program.
If you have questions or suggestions, please email cueboard@campunityeastside.com.
In the meantime, we still need your help!
Help with Next Move
Camp Unity’s next move is planned to start on Wednesday, June 15th and continue through Saturday, June 18th. We are grateful to Northshore United Church of Christ for being the camp’s next host during this transition period and to St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church for hosting Camp Unity since mid-February.
Please email Lori Peckol peckolvanwormer@gmail.com if you can help in either of these ways.
-Move Activities: We need help with the actual move on 6/15, 6/16, 6/17 and 6/18 (anticipated start time is 9 am). These activities will include moving camp equipment to NUCC as needed to shelter remaining residents and taking care of remaining equipment that is not needed in the near-term.
-Meals: Help is also needed with lunches (6/15, 6/16, and 6/17). Thank you for everyone who has signed up already to bring a meal during the move.
We greatly appreciate any assistance you can provide!
Meals at Camp Unity
We are very grateful to everyone who has and continues to provide meals for Camp Unity. Currently there are 4 residents at Camp Unity and these meals are important and truly help to keep everyone nourished and healthy.
Thank you for all you do in so many ways. Because of you, residents have a safe place to stay, support to take the next steps forward in life, and a new home in permanent housing.
With gratitude,
Lori Peckol
Friends of Camp Unity Eastside