Haven Center hosting an online housewarming for its new space

This story has been edited to correct the link to the Amazon wishlist. LORAIN — Finding the perfect gift for someone moving into a new place can be difficult, but as the Neighborhood Alliance prepares the recently renovated Haven Center for new residents, they've made it a little easier. Neighborhood Alliance is asking everyone to Help Make Haven a Home with an online housewarming party for the newly added 9,000 square feet of housing space. It has created an Amazon Wishlist asking for pillows, sheets, blankets, towels and other items to help with the new space. "We will be opening in the next few months," said Alicia Foss, president and CEO of Haven Center. "Right now, we're finishing up with installing an elevator and purchasing furnishings. Once we have occupancy approval from the city, we will be ready to start moving in." Haven Center is transitioning from dormitory-style rooms to non-congregant housing, which ensures that residents have their own living space and bathroom. Having an individual bathroom means parents are able to bathe their children more easily and makes potty training easier. The new space means the facility expands from a 68-bed shelter to an 80- to 90-bed shelter. "We've seen a sharp increase in need since the pandemic," Foss said. The expansion makes Haven Center the first non-congregant mass shelter that takes men, women and children in the state. "We're excited about it," Foss said. "It's an improvement for those that we serve. We will be able to give them dignity in a very, very difficult situation. Particularly for families with small children, it's an opportunity to give back dignity, optimism and self-respect." Individuals and families are not looking to stay in a shelter forever, she added. "They come in, get what they need from us and get back out in the world," she said. "Hopefully, we can provide some respect and hope as they make that transition." The online housewarming party is a way to do just that. "A lot of people coming in don't have much with them," Foss said. "All of the items are for them to be comfortable in their space. We give everyone a welcome kit and provide something squishy for the kids to hold onto." The agency has been promoting the housewarming party on its social media, which includes Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Information also can be found on the Neighborhood Alliance website at myneighborhoodalliance.org/. Anyone who would like to donate can visit https://a.co/03rD10K. Contact Christina Jolliffe at ctnews@chroniclet.com.