Community Organizations Partnership Event Recap
On Thursday October 16, Hocking Athens Perry Community Action (HAPCAP) hosted a Community Organizations Partnership Event to support the development of the Sunset Shelter Project—a new non-congregate emergency shelter designed to provide safe, dignified housing and wrap-around support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
The event brought together a wide range of local service providers, nonprofit partners, and community stakeholders to discuss how we can work together to make the Sunset Shelter a true community effort. Presentations from Kelly Hatas, HAPCAP Executive Director, Jessica Stroh, Community Services Director, and Jocelyn Howard,Housing Services Coordinator, highlighted recent construction updates, the shelter’s operational framework, and identified both current and emerging needs as we move closer to opening.
Participants then engaged in small-group discussions exploring opportunities for collaboration before and after opening. Topics included intake and diversion strategies, day-to-day operations, and a variety of program areas such as substance use recovery, health and mental-health services, food and nutrition, pet support, peer mentoring, workforce development, and more.
Organizations were invited to complete partnership proposals outlining their potential contributions, from direct services to resource sharing and volunteer support. The proposals will guide follow-up conversations and formalize partnerships essential to the shelter’s success. If you or your organization were unable to attend, but are interested in partnership, please contact us at shelterproject@hapcap.org.
The energy in the room reflected our community’s shared commitment to meeting people where they are—with compassion, creativity, and collaboration—to ensure every neighbor has a safe place to call home.
