(Spirit Lake)– A special event will be held this weekend to raise awareness about an organization in the Iowa Great Lakes that provides assistance to those facing homelessness and other challenges.
Clay Norris is Vice President of the Board of Directors of ATLAS which stands for Attaining Truth, Love and Self-control. He says they’ll be holding an event Saturday (April 25th) from 4:00 until 6:00 pm at the Well Coffee House and Eatery in Spirit Lake…
“We’re going to have Karina VanWhye and Martin Mendez there to sing. They’re wonderful. And you’ll get to hear from somebody who has been a former client of ATLAS as well as our Executive Director, Regina Reed, and members of the board. It’s just a good opportunity to learn about what ATLAS does.”
Norris says they’re seeing a high demand for their serviced right now…
“There are just so many people in the Lakes Area, and everywhere, that are suffering from things like, you know, homelessness. It’s expensive to live anywhere, but particularly in the Lakes Area now. Real estate has gotten very expensive. There’s people that have, you know, maybe just regular entry-level jobs or normal jobs and it’s difficult for them to find housing. So we help them with that. There’s people that might have addiction issues or domestic issues or food insecurity. It’s a stressful time and ATLAS is there to be a point of contact and a reference for these people so that they can find, we can held them find the help that they need.”
Norris says ATLAS is grateful for the partnerships they’ve fostered with some other organizations in the Iowa Great Lakes….
“There were 20 individuals, including some families with children that over the winter, once again, didn’t have a place to live, so forging some partnerships with the Bible Conference and with the Lakeside Lutheran Camp we were able to find temporary housing for these people, a warm place to be, and we’re just real thankful for these partnerships.”
Lakes ATLAS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Norris says they’re always looking for donations. He adds that year to date in the Iowa Great Lakes, ATLAS has placed over 20 individuals, including families with children, in safe housing. Their office is located in the Lakes Center Mall in Arnolds Park.
