Established in 2013, Community Supported Shelters is a nonprofit in Eugene, Oregon, that helps unhoused individuals rebuild their lives through intentional community.
"Starting during Occupy Wall Street and tripling our services during Covid, Community Supported Shelters now supports over 150 clients in one of our 15 Safe Spot communities around Eugene as well as over 150 more (who are either on our waiting list or unhoused) through our navigation services helping folks attain crucial services like healthcare, addiction services, and the list goes on."
$500 and 1000 Cups of Chai for Community Supported Shelters.
One of the many ways Community Supported Shelters fosters safe community, is through their Safe Spot Communities, where folks are able to shelter in low-cost and durable Conestoga Huts and receive holistic support. These group-living environments foster intentional community— providing heat, water, porta-potties, hygiene, garbage service, kitchens, charging stations, peer support and social services to unhoused individuals.
"Our program has one of the highest success rates in Lane County for moving individuals from homelessness to positive housing; this is because we foster environments that emphasize teamwork and shared responsibility. People who live in Safe Spot Communities together become peer support for one another, learning and growing side by side."
This month, we are honored to support Community Supported Shelters through our Peace & Chai Program. Blue Lotus Chai donated $500 and over 1000 cups of chai to the CSS Access Center—which serves as a warm, stabilizing place for individuals to receive care, resources, and support throughout the year.
"The Access Center is the heart of our direct service work. It's a place of community and connection for unhoused neighbors, providing showers, laundry services, and a clothing closet. With the help of community partners, we host frequent pop-up events here, including haircut clinics, STD testing, live music, voting registration resources, pet wellness clinics, and temporary relief spaces during extreme weather. With the help of community partners, we’re in the process of adding a covered seating area, pet kennels, an expanded clothing closet, and improved outdoor space. We are also working to consolidate check-in at the Access Center so people can access services more smoothly, especially during severe weather." - From Amanda Lang, CSS's Communications and Development Associate
The Access Center is a vital place for our community to receive care, and is in need of extra support right now to continue expanding their services. We’re inviting our chai community to join us in giving back this season. You can send much needed supplies—like hand warmers, clothing, and hygiene items—directly to CSS through their Amazon Registry. You can also donate supplies at their main office: 1160 Grant Street, Eugene, OR 97402
Thank you! Every cup of chai you drink helps support organizations and artists making a positive difference in our community!