Bethlehem Inn gets outpouring of community support

Bethlehem Inn announced Thursday that over $270,000 was raised on Tuesday, May 21, at its ninth annual Spotlight on Homelessness fundraising dinner. The record-breaking amount far surpasses donations received during prior years.

Gwenn Wysling, the shelter’s executive director, called the community’s show of support for the Inn’s program serving the region’s adults and children experiencing homelessness “deeply gratifying.”

“The Inn is now serving over 150 adults and children each night, so this event, along with year-long financial support, is crucial for the Inn to maintain the level of services required to meet demand,” she said.

Wysling also expressed sincere gratitude to First Interstate Bank, the Inn’s Board of Directors and two anonymous donors for the $70,000 match grant, which was offered to donors as a way to leverage their $1,000 contributions.

“We are deeply thankful to all of our donors, who recognize the level of financial support needed to serve over a 1,500 adults and children every year,” she said.

Bethlehem Inn transforms lives with shelter, help and hope by providing a warm bed, hot shower, nutritious meals and case management services for adults and families experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon.

Each year, the Inn provides shelter and support to over 1,500 individuals and serves 88,000 meals.

To learn more about how you can be a part of Central Oregon’s solution to end homelessness, please call 541.322.8768 or visit bethleheminn.org. Donations may also be mailed to Bethlehem Inn, P.O. Box 8540, Bend, OR 97708.