Loss of Emergency Shelter Beds Prompts Stephen Center Response
August 14, 2007

Omaha, NE  In response to the loss of Emergency Shelter beds at the Mary Catherine McAuley Center for Women and Families, The Stephen Center, 2723 Q Street is increasing its capacity to house women and children.

Stephen Center is opening as many as 20 additional beds to women and children.

“We are being inundated by requests from women and children for emergency shelter housing,” says Executive Director, Del Bomberger, “we are ready to serve and are making adjustments within the facility to accommodate this need.  The loss of beds at McAuley Center is a devastating blow to efforts to provide for all homeless people in Omaha.”

“The only accurate and reliable number of emergency shelter beds that a community needs is determined by arriving at the day when there is a bed for everyone who seeks one and no one sleeps on the floor.  All other calculations are abstract.”

The Stephen Center was opened in 1984 as a safe and clean facility to serve men and women who have made a commitment not to use drugs and/or alcohol in order to improve the quality of their lives. In the 23 year history The Stephen Center has provided overnight shelter to men, women and children, recovery and mental health programs for individuals with a co-occurring diagnosis, transitional housing for HERO program graduates and case management to emergency shelter clients.

The Stephen Center encourages the public to contribute nonperishable foods, clothing, toiletries and hygiene products. Monetary donations provide the most flexibility to purchase what is needed most and may be sent or delivered to The Stephen Center, 2723 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68107.  Donations can be made online www.stephencenter.org.              
                       
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