Homeward Bound of Wooster and Wayne County invites the public to a community open house on Thursday, June 26, offering an inside look at the work being done at the facility at 981 Grosjean Road in Wooster to support neighbors experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.File
Homeward Bound of Wooster and Wayne County invites the public to a community open house on Thursday, June 26, offering an inside look at the work being done to support neighbors experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
The event will take place at its facility on 981 Grosjean Road in Wooster from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m., providing a space for community members, partners and supporters to tour the facility, meet the staff and learn more about the mission. There will be a short program at noon and at 5 p.m.
“We believe in the power of community,” said Cynthia Bonidie, executive director. “This open house is our way of saying thank you to those who stand with us — and an invitation to those who want to get involved.”
Guests can expect light refreshments, a behind-the-scenes look at service programs and firsthand stories of impact. Staff members also will be available to answer questions, share volunteer opportunities and connect with potential collaborators.
Homeward Bound of Wooster and Wayne County was formed to take on the responsibility of managing a transitional housing facility in Wooster for residents needing assistance on their journey toward independent living and temporary overnight shelter.
HBWWC was formed as a result of the efforts of the Wooster Homelessness Task Force, whose mission over the last five years has been to make available to the community information about housing and homelessness and to create additional services for the unsheltered.
In 2022 the task force took over the operation of the severe weather shelter temporarily located at The Wooster Salvation Army. Throughout this time the goal of the task force has been to help create an ongoing transitional housing facility.
In 2024 private donations allowed for the purchase of the building on Grosjean Road. The newly incorporated Homeward Bound spent the next several months securing commitments from local agencies to provide services to guests that would offer them a path to independent living.
In early May unanimous approval was received from the Wooster Planning Commission to remodel the building as a transitional housing facility, with Weaver Commercial Contractor undertaking the remodel.
For more information email Homeward Bound at contactus@homewardboundwwc.org or call 330-439-2990.
