Lotus House Women’s Shelter Receives Life Saving Donation From Fisher Island Gives
(June 29, 2020 – Miami, FL) In these unprecedented times, we are often reminded it is “safer at home.” But for women and children fleeing domestic violence or who have no place to call home, the Lotus House Women’s Shelter, located in Overtown, Miami, is the next best place, with doors wide open for those most in need, providing shelter, sanctuary and support. In the wake of the pandemic, the recent gift of $500,000 from Fisher Island Gives, a local giving group comprised of caring Fisher Island residents, is nothing short of life saving. Amidst growing concerns of the impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable in our community, this gift supports the important work of Lotus House, where over 480+ women, youth and children are “sheltering in,” even and especially in these difficult times.
“Preparing for and responding to the threat of the coronavirus have presented challenges never before imagined in our work and to the health and safety of those we shelter and our dedicated team,” says Constance Collins, Lotus House’s Executive Director. “Thanks to Fisher Island Gives we are able not only to continue our essential services but expand our programming and advance the health and safety of those we serve. It is impossible to express in words how deeply meaningful this gift is to the precious children and families we shelter.” Collins advises that nearly every aspect of Lotus House operations and supportive services have been modified to protect the health and safety of those sheltered, with new operating and counseling protocols to help child and families cope safely in these stressful times.
About Lotus House
Last year, Lotus House sheltered over 1,000 women youth and children in their new facilities in Lotus Village, providing over 175,000 shelter bed nights, 10,000 counseling sessions and 2,500 healthcare appointments and/or referrals. More than 80% of those completing the program exited successfully outside the shelter system. If you want to help, visit the Lotus House website at www.lotushouse.org and join their COVID Relief Fund. Also check out the #WashYourHands PSA made by Lotus Kids. Follow Facebook at lotushouseshelter and Instagram at lotushouse1.
About Fisher Island Gives
Fisher Island Gives was founded as an emergency response grassroots campaign effort within the Fisher Island community to actively address the urgent needs of those in the greater Miami area whose lives have been so severely affected by the COVID-19 virus. This campaign was separate from the yearly campaign drive by residents that support over 10 local charities in the Miami area.
“The residents of Fisher Island have long been noted for their individual and collective philanthropy; and, in this time of crisis for our neighbors, we wanted to provide immediate and direct support for those most vulnerable. This $500,000 donation to Lotus House will allow them to continue to have an enormous impact in helping homeless women and their children with shelter, food, safety and education. Lotus House is an amazing organization and we are thrilled that we are able to provide support for them.” Says Michael Rabinowitz of Fisher Island Gives.