Lotus Community Project has been supporting homeless women, children and families, as an asset to the community for the past five years.

Since its opening in 2019, it has housed many people in need of all ages, serving six counties including Webster, Pocahontas, Calhoun, Hamilton, Humboldt, and Wright counties. Its mission is to help those in need to transition from their place of need by providing access to shelter, support, and resources in our community.

Lotus believes that cycles can be broken, families can find healing, and that our families can become self-sufficient and successful after major setbacks in life. By providing access to support and resources, the Lotus Community Project strives to help single women and all family units create better lives for themselves and their families. The organization’s founder, Ashley Vaala, experienced homelessness herself, and worked hard to establish the Lotus Community Project

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is observed next on Saturday. It has been observed for nine days starting the second Saturday in November since 1975. Locally, the Lotus Community Project will be holding an online auction Nov. 9-17 to help support its mission to assist the guests at the shelter. The goal of $7,995 would cover the cost of the used vehicle Lotus is acquiring to help transport residents to and from the facility when needed.

This silent auction is an extension of the third annual Lotus Run hosted by the Lady Azzphalt Riders on Aug. 10. There are always ongoing needs for upkeep of the facility, repairs, and transportation costs.

Current Director Ashley Bishop and the residents of Lotus Community Project are thankful for the ongoing support of many local churches, organizations, and private donors. The shelter is located eight miles from Fort Dodge, in the previous St. John Lutheran Church building, rural Vincent.

To register to bid and get reminders of the upcoming auction and/or make a donation to the Lotus Community Project, go to https://givebutter.com/c/sbZlIr