This was sent by Deacon Larry:
From Hanover Churches Network Coordinator,
We have been contacted by Leia Gross, Homeless Services Program Outreach Specialist for Commonwealth Catholic Charities, about an immediate need for volunteer help. If your church or organizations are able to help, please contact Leia directly.
From Leia:
We had a rather large encampment in Ashland where quite a few of our clients were staying in the woods near Walmart. The campsites were swept by Ashland Police a few weeks ago, and the clients were displaced. They did not have a lot of time to vacate, due to the threat of a trespassing charge, and there is a significant amount of trash left at the sites. I am in communication with APD who are being understanding of the barriers to the clients cleaning the sites themselves and have allowed me to organize a scheduled clean-up of the area, so the clients are not charged criminally.
I am reaching out to other church communities to see if any congregation members or church leaders would be interested in participating in assisting our unhoused individuals in the Ashland community. There will be no clients present during the effort since they have all moved on. Let me know if this is something you are interested in or if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks so much!
Homelessness Encampment Cleanup (campers have moved on)
September 19, 2026 from 8-10:30 am (Near Ashland Walmart)
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Shéy Hayden
Hanover Churches Network Coordinator