Friendship Room to host annual fundraiser, seeks community support

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — The Friendship Room is holding its annual fundraising banquet on September 15.

While the Friendship Room continues to operate to provide basic necessities to those in need, the private hospitality house relies on support from the community. This allows them to provide many hot meals, clothing, toiletries, food for the household and other urgent needs.

“It makes living in this town possible,” Shawn Whittekind says. “I mean, he helps me with everything you can imagine. From charging my phone to getting me buckets of water when I need it. He helps me with everything you can imagine.”

Director Molly McGovern said The Friendship Room has seen a recent increase in the number of people seeking help. She said 50 to 100 people are dropping by each day.

“We receive no state or government funding,” McGovern said. “And we are completely dependent on private donations. And our community has been tremendous for the last 10 years, keeping the blue door open to help people who find themselves on the streets of Steubenville.”

McGovern said at the banquet that they are accepting voluntary donations to support the upkeep of the safe house, men’s house and Fellowship Room. Donations can also be used for other daily expenses such as food or emergency needs for visitors.

“I don’t think this place could survive without donations,” George Houston said. “I know it’s been going strong for at least 10 years.”

The banquet will be held in the Steubenville High School Commons. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and dinner will be prepared by Pastio’s Restaurant at 7:00 p.m. Live entertainment, including a Dean Martin impersonator, will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

“We really want to welcome the community,” said Katie Kissinger, Administrative Assistant at Friendship Room. “We’re really excited to share our mission with people and tell people about what we do with this community and everything we’ve accomplished. The way we’re impacting these people on the street and helping these women is pretty exciting to us.”

To participate, you must RSVP by Friday. If you are interested in attending, call (740) 314-5095.