CHANUTE — Home for the holidays takes on a whole different meaning at Faith House, a shelter for the homeless.
Linda Stange, Faith House administrator, said employees try their best to make the Christmas season as cheerful as possible for those down on their luck.
Community members also have pulled through. All of the families at the shelter have been “adopted,” making sure they’ll have gifts and even trees. Gifts are also given to those who have recently left the house and starting to get back on their feet.
Faith House was established in Chanute six years ago and Stange has been there for all but three months. She is from Iola and now lives in Chanute.
Stange said she felt a calling to work with the homeless.
“God lead me here,” she said with a smile on her face. “I was battling with my husband about being a stay at home mom. I saw this in the paper and was very drawn to it. It’s become a calling for me and my family.”
They have two families in the house now, including seven from Iola.
“The numbers are low, which is unusual for the holidays, but a blessing.”
Although they are located in Chanute, Stange said people come from all over the area.
“I don’t think people realize how many are housed here from Iola,” Stange said.
Stange said they are thankful for the Iola community. Last month the City of Iola granted Faith House $3,000.
“The city does stand behind us and they’ve been very supportive,” she said.
In November Stange proposed Allen County use alcohol tax money returned for local distribution, to help out at the shelter. She suggested to county commisoners that $10,000 be used.
“It encompasses everything with alcohol prevention here. I help a lot of people get into rehab and narcotics and Alcohol Anonymous,” she said.
Funds for the house are always a struggle.
