Tiffin's homeless shelter provides update

Last month, the Transformation Life Center officially opened its doors to those in need within Seneca County. The shelter house provides various services for locals who are facing homelessness and has successfully housed eight individuals since launching. "The reason for naming this the Transformation Life Center is because it truly is the mission to transform lives," said Beth Schweitzer, board president of the Seneca County Council on Homelessness. "Our goal is really to get people back on their feet, and it's really a benefit to our community too when those people are able to contribute and give back to the community." Schweitzer has been helping battle Seneca County homelessness since working on the Community Task Force before The Council on Homelessness was formed. Schweitzer explained that she noticed homelessness in Seneca County has been a prominent issue in need of attention for a long period of time, adding that homelessness is not just a result of people who aren't willing to work or want a "free ride." "They're here because something happened in their life," Schweitzer said. "A job is lost, maybe there's been a situation where there's been a marriage breakup, financial problems or other circumstances that cause people to be homeless." The shelter, located at 433 W. Market St., permits individuals to stay up to 90 days. Executive Director of the Transformation Life Center, Challie Briihl, said homelessness in Seneca County does not present itself in the way that larger cities often do. "It's not a situation like you would see in the bigger cities, like tent cities or people sleeping out in boxes or under bridges," she explained. "They are sheltered so to speak, just not in places that are habitable for people." "We have wonderful social service agencies that will help people with hotel stays so they're not out in the cold," Briihl continued. "But then that kind of turns into a cycle as well, which is really, really difficult for kids and families and stabilities." Before taking on the position as executive director for the shelter, Briihl sat on the board of the Seneca County Council on Homelessness for two years. She also worked for New Housing Ohio for many years, where she oversaw the Morrison House. "This is where my passion is," she said. "Honestly if we can help one person get off of the street, out of the cold and some stability–even if it were just one night–I think that's of value," Briihl said. The Transformation Life Center currently has nine beds open for women and children within the county. Although they are unable to house men, the shelter is looking to expand its offerings in the future with the support of the community. The shelter provides not only immediate needs but long-term needs as well. There is a volunteer case manager within the shelter's administration that works closely with individuals to provide support meetings, work through any issues and connect them with appropriate resources. Additionally, the shelter helps residents acquire any necessary documentation they may need such as Social Security cards, ID or birth certificates. Employment and educational resources are also a part of the shelter's offerings. Briihl and Schweitzer explained volunteers make up a large portion of the services the TLC provides. "The volunteer piece is huge here," Briihl said. "Having somebody here who wants to be here, and isn't being paid to be here and is spending time with them, makes a really big difference in the atmosphere and how they're feeling." Volunteers at the TLC serve residents in various ways, which include teaching life skills and providing creative outlets. Examples of previous activities volunteers have presented include movie nights, game nights, nail-painting sessions, baking classes, resume-building, learning jobs skills and more. "Sometimes we just need in our lives someone to bounce ideas off of, tell our story to and someone who's not judgmental, but supportive," said Schweitzer. "It's about building relationships and building community," Briihl added. Many local organizations have volunteered to serve the TLC, such as The Seneca County Friendship Club, student groups from Heidelberg and Tiffin University, Tiffin Community Kitchen, and First Presbyterian Church where they conduct monthly meal prepping. "We do have rules and we're going to have accountability and those sorts of things," Briihl said, noting that individuals who stay at the shelter must complete a program that aims to help them grow and enhance their surroundings. "But it's a really light, happy atmosphere because this is a really heavy thing. We try to make the best of it. We have our serious moments when we have to, but we like to have as much fun as we can." Within the next 5 years, TLC is looking to expand its facility and staffing. "We know that men also are seeking facilities to be housed," Schweitzer said. "We have this property that we could expand, and that is going to take the support of our community." Briihl explained currently the shelter is nailing down its operational expenses, and have a $50k grant match with First Presbyterian Church, where any dollar amount is matched. To donate, contact the TLC by calling 567-804-9284. The shelter is seeking donations to help with operational expenses, and has also hosted various fundraisers. In the near future, an ugly sweater party fundraiser will take place at the K of C, with more information to come. To become a volunteer or learn more information on the Transformation Life Center, give them a call or email transformlcdirector@outlook.com. "Just because you don't see it doesn't mean it's not there," Briihl said of local homelessness. "One hour could change someone's life."