Haven House, the only homeless shelter in the area that serves entire families, was in desperate need of a new boiler. The East Lansing Rotary Club and Foundation along with Teresa Ringenbach, Manager Government Affairs of Direct Energy and John LaRose, Chief Executive Officer of Celink stepped up to help raise money quickly so it can be replaced before anyone gets left out in the cold.
Thanks to the East Lansing Rotary Club and The East Lansing Rotary Foundation’s social media campaign and sponsorship of the Mud and Suds fundraiser combined with additional generous contributions from Williamston Lodge #153 and Freemasons of East Lansing #480 they were able to raise over five thousand dollars for the boiler replacement funds. Celink and Direct Energy each also contributed five thousand dollars bringing in just over $15,000 to cover the costs.
After receiving the funds at a ceremony yesterday, with East Lansing Rotary President Tim McCafferey, and Rotarian Noah Smith, Teresa Ringebach of Direct Energy, and Representative Mark Meadows, the new boiler was ordered and installation is expected in the next couple weeks. “We were happy to assist Haven House with such an urgent need,” said McCafferey. Angie Mayeaux, Executive Director of Haven House expressed
her gratitude saying, “I am so grateful to the East Lansing Rotarians for their dedication to this project and to all the individuals and businesses that made our Christmas wish come true. We are at full capacity and keeping families safe and warm is a priority during the cold months ahead.”
Haven House provides temporary housing to homeless families with children while they look for permanent housing. The staff provides case management, counseling, parenting classes, and tutoring for the residents during their stay and offers a transitional program for families after they move into housing. More information about Haven House is available at www.HavenHouseEL.org or by calling 517-337-2731.