Your Toledo Rotary Club Foundation recently awarded a grant in the amount of $5,400 to the Catholic Charities La Posada Family Emergency Shelter. The funds were used to replace mattresses and protector pads for the shelter as well as bedding and comforters. The number of replacement mattresses purchased provides a safe, hygienic environment for new admissions to La Posada and reduces cash outlays from other sources that have been used for direct client needs, such as food, hygiene needs, and transportation. Changes in bedding and possibly mattresses, if there are any issues, for every new resident admitted to the shelter can become costly. Since December, La Posada has served over 84 individuals in 26 households.

La Posada Family Emergency Shelter offers temporary housing and supportive services to homeless families of all faiths and backgrounds in the Toledo area. Direct services through La Posada include shelter, food, clothing, personal hygiene products and case management.

Catholic Charities’ staff empower families to achieve self-sufficiency through programs that help them identify goals and build on their strengths to attain them. By providing shelter, supportive resources and linking people to resources in the community, Catholic Charities helps vulnerable families achieve stable housing and become self-sufficient.

Since its opening nearly two decades ago, La Posada has provided shelter to more than 2,000 families.

The name La Posada originated from the Spanish holiday, “Las Posadas.” The event is a nine-day celebration that represents the difficulties that Joseph and Mary, the mother of Jesus, faced in search of a room when traveling to Bethlehem.

Groups of children and adults go from house to house singing a traditional song requesting lodging (posada).  At each house, the owner responds with refusal until Mary and Joseph reach the designated site for the party. The owner, or “innkeeper”, recognizes Joseph and Mary and they are finally allowed in. Today, Latin American countries continue to celebrate this holiday.

Catholic Charities’ La Posada Family Emergency Shelter was initially established to serve the Hispanic community but now serves all families in need of a place to stay.