People to People focuses on unmet needs

Last fall, People to People Ministries welcomed a new executive director, Sean Michael Murphy. A Wooster resident for 12 years, Murphy said the new position is more than just a job.

“It's a way to give back to the county that has been so good to my family,” he said.

People to People has served the area for more than 48 years, providing emergency assistance to Wayne County residents.

“Our primary focus has to be on helping individuals,” said Murphy. “Programs are super important, but we want to emphasize people over programs.”

Murphy said with changes that have taken place over the years, there are now dozens of organizations assisting with individual meals, groceries, clothing and other needs.

“We'd like to continue to do what we do while always listening and looking out for unmet needs,” he said. “Considering our resources and incredible team of volunteers, we find ourselves asking, 'What are ways that we can help individuals who find themselves in a tough spot?’”

People to People is a safety net for individuals and families who hit a crisis and need immediate help with basics like food, clothing and staying in their homes.

“Our heart is ‘People over Programs,’” said Murphy.

Murphy said while people are often aware of the food and clothing assistance, the community may not be as aware of the more behind-the-scenes assistance they provide.

“[People] don't see the complex problem-solving our team does — navigating a car repair so someone can keep their job or providing a gas card so a neighbor can get to a doctor's appointment," he said. "The ‘unmet need’ is often the small logistical hurdle that prevents a bigger crisis.”

For many individuals, one car repair or medical bill may be all it takes to put them at risk for losing their home.

“Our financial donations are the bridge that keeps those families stable,” said Murphy, adding that there has been a surge recently in individuals and families needing rental assistance.

The nonprofit also has numerous special projects throughout the year, including several that help students with back-to-school clothing, Thanksgiving dinner boxes and a Christmas toy project that provides holiday gifts for hundreds of children.

The annual Back to School project is People to People’s next big focus.

“It’s about more than just a shirt or a pair of pants,” said Murphy. “It’s about giving a student the confidence to walk into their first day of school feeling like they belong. We provide high-quality, really nice clothes because every child in our county deserves to start the year with their head held high.”

The school project leads the way to a busy fall with the holiday events. People to People is always looking for help with these events as well as volunteers to assist weekly in the office, clothing department, food pantry or with projects in and around the building. Anyone interested in learning more is invited to call 330-262-1662 or email director@ptpm.net.

Clothing and food donations are always needed. Clothing donations may be dropped off at People to People, 454 E. Bowman St., Wooster, at the shed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Food may be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Current top needs include peanut butter and pasta sauce, new underwear (all sizes) and Legos.

Financial donations are crucial to the day-to-day financial support People to People offers to those in crisis. Monthly and one-time gift giving can be done online at www.ptpm.net or by mailing checks to 454 E. Bowman St., Wooster, OH 44691.