A benefit skating party to help the Marion Homeless Shelter will be held on Saturday, December 17. The Marion Shelter Program is the only homeless shelter in a 50-mile radius, serving over 300 individuals every year.

The event runs from 4:30pm to 6:30 pm at the RollerRama Skate Center, located at 1683 Marion-Mt. Gilead Rd.

Tracy Gullett, a Marion Technical College Social Service student is coordinating the event. According to Gullett, "The cost is just $4 per person and the entire amount will benefit the Homeless Shelter and the Journey House, a transitional housing program in Marion. The public is invited. The cost includes skate rental fee.

Gullett added that participants are asked to bring items from the Shelter Program wish list (available at www.marionshelter.com) which will provide the shelter with needed supplies and also earn the person an extra raffle ticket. One raffle ticket will be provided as part of the $4 entry fee, but those bringing in wish list items will receive an additional raffle ticket for each wish list item provided. Several area businesses and organizations have donated items that will be given away hourly during the event.

97.5 Community Radio WDCM will be at the event with a live broadcast from 4pm to 6pm. Tracy Gullett and Homeless Shelter Director, Mark Lovett will be guests on their morning show on Thursday, December 15, 2005 from 8am to 9am to give more details about the party.

If any business or individual is interested in sponsoring the party or donating items for the party, are asked to call Jan Harbin or Mark Lovett at (740) 387-4550.

ABOUT THE MARION HOMELESS SHELTER PROGRAM
The Marion Shelter Program, Inc., in conjunction with the community, offers services and support to the homeless by providing safe shelter, basic necessities, and a structured opportunity to become self-sufficient.

The Marion Shelter Program offers two distinct facilities: the Homeless Shelter, located at 365 E. Fairground St., and the Journey House, located at 498 N. Main.

The Homeless Shelter is, as the name implies, our primary facility and serves the majority of our clients. This is where people who have no shelter turn for help. By coming to us, they have taken the first step toward regaining their footing.

The Journey House is the next step for some clients. Once a resident has proven that they have secured stable employment and that they are serious about improving their situation, they may be eligible to stay at our transitional facility know as Journey House. Journey House is a semi-private group home that allows individuals and families to remain in a sheltered environment while making the transition to independent living.