By Dee Olsen
Merrill United Way Executive Director
Less than two years ago the Merrill homeless population found a sanctuary from homelessness, the weather elements, and sometimes unsafe situations. This endeavor has come with both trials and tribulations. The Merrill community, the churches and a few businesses have provided both financial and general support for MAC Home. For that we are grateful.
This Christmas we had two children, each staying with a parent in the transitional living. The Children’s Christmas Project gift certificates helped with some presents for the children. A few others were donated too. We can be certain it put smiles on their faces. The Christmas tree at the MAC Home is beautifully decorated and Santa will come for the children. But can you imagine if the family were living in their car instead.
Not only is MAC Home a place to sleep, but it is a center where self-development and improvement is encouraged. It is a place where the staff provide guidance and direction as the clients work toward getting back on their feet and hopefully going into independent living. Family units trying to establish their home again, can stay at the MAC Home for up to 90 days while staff and outside agencies assist them.
The MAC Home has been provided an abundance of personal hygiene, cleaning solutions, blankets, new pillows, and new clothing; almost to a point where staff have to control how much they can now except due to storage and use limitations. What the MAC Home needs now is the financial support to run the everyday operations. A conjoined living facility requires a staff person be onboard 24 hours every 365 days of the year. As a 501-C3 not-for-profit organization, MAC Home continues to reach out for donations and grants, but the spirit of giving needs to increase for the operation to continue to meet the needs of the homeless. With several success stories of helping people into independent living, we are proud of the outcomes and our accomplishments in just 21 months.
January 2020 to November 2020 MAC Home has helped 9 families; 11 children, 2 unborn children, 24 males, 18 females and provided 961 safe nights in the Shelter. Since opening, the homeless center has provided over 2,200 safe nights at MAC Home. If you wish to learn more about MAC Home visit the website at www.machomemerrillwi.com. And, if you find it in your heart to help another human, please consider a tax-deductible donation to the MAC Home. Mail checks to P O Box 324, Merrill WI 54452.