Record rains over the weekend resulted in storm water damage to the basement at the Spring Valley Homeless Shelter.

The Spring Valley basement houses the children’s educational programs, the multipurpose room where children are tutored, a kitchen and storage.

“This is where our clients take computer classes, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is offered, and more. This is also where our children play and learn. As a result of the water damage, everything that touched the floor is a total loss which may include our HVAC system and two new water heaters that supply our offices and a third of our apartments,” said CCA Executive Director, RG Skadberg,

There is also the loss of space for a planned expansion in child care while parents work or attend class.

“That program expansion will now have to be put on the backburner,” said Skadberg.

The basement walls and floors will need to be replaced and many residents continue to be without hot water.

CCA does not yet know the full extent of the damage and while there is insurance coverage, there is a cap.

The best way for the community to help Spring Valley Shelter in this crisis is by making a donation payable to: Christian Community Action, 2001 Calumet Avenue, Valparaiso, IN 46383 OR donating online at www.ccatransforms.org

Financial contributions are the most useful form of assistance because it provides funds to meet the immediate needs of material replacement and the associated labor.

There will also be a need for volunteers and in kind donations in the near future.

Posted 9/17/2008