SPIN: Supporting People In Need

The purpose of S.P.I.N. is to help support the people of Southern Illinois when needed. We hope to cover the gap between the disaster and the government's help (such as FEMA, Red Cross, etc.). SPIN will be more than a place for support and getting physical and emotional needs met. We hope to include meeting special educational needs also. This will be accomplished in three phases.

Phase I

Part A (open February 2007)

• To assist the people of Southern Illinois in cases of personal property damage due to fire, flood, tornado, or other natural disasters that may occur.
• To assist elderly, disabled, needy people of Murphysboro community during a time of distress.
  • by giving clothes, household items, assistant needs equipment, etc.
  • by referring those we can not help to other agencies that can assist them.

In order to help pay expenses, a thrift shop is open on Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and on Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Hours extended after June 2007.

Part B (open 2008/2009)

• To offer counseling as needed
  • grief counseling (loss of home, property, etc.) (stress)
  • job counseling
  • other counseling as needed
  • referrals when needed
• To offer showers and change of clothing for homeless (Summer 2007) and referrals as needed.

Phase II (open 2008–2009)

• To offer computer education classes
  • for those individuals of lower income who need computer training in order to enter (re-enter) the work force (i.e., Word, Access, Excel (data entry), etc.)
  • for older adults to keep in touch with family and friends, research family trees, shopping, etc.

Phase III (2009–2010)

(Phase III is still in a planning stage.)

• To offer temporary housing for those in need.
  • utilizing the voucher system (homeless)
  • temporary residents after natural disasters

Starting in March 2007, coupons for local restaurants will be given to those who have lost homes/jobs, etc. to help families (referrals required from other agencies/churches/fire or police department)

Activities left for 2007

• Apple Fest Raffle
• School Supply program
• Winter coat program for needy children
• Christmas stocking program for needy children

Contact Information

Postal Address

SPIN, 1501 Shomaker Drive, Murphysboro, IL 62966

Telephone

Gary Green, 618.201.4859; Cherie Green, 618.201.7298

Email

Last update: Saturday, September 15, 2007