Broken Glass Almshouse
From Changeling Venue
Contents |
Premise
Innkeeper: Candy
Located in the North River neighborhood of Toledo, Ohio, the Broken Glass Almshouse was originally an industrial plant and warehouse for one of the many glass companies that arrived during the Industrial Revolution. Toledo received is nickname of "The Glass City" from the influx of such companies. Purchased in early 1998 by a private charity organization, the warehouse was in a state of utter disrepair. In less than a year's time, it had been remodeled and updated to a shelter and care center for homeless, runaways, and other indigent peoples.
Opening on August 4th, 1998 as the Broken Glass Almshouse, it received a good, though brief bit of media attention that allowed it the opportunity to receive volunteers and sponsors from all over Toledo. It is now one of the most well known shelters in northwestern Ohio in both mortal and... not so mortal circles.
Mundane
This homeless shelter and care center houses as many mortal indigents it can accommodate. Its volunteers include both casual and professional people. It is sponsored by a number of area businesses and individuals.
Lost
For the Changeling community, the Almshouse provides a safe place for recent escapees from Arcadia to adjust. Since mortals with mental illness are commonplace in the shelter, a new Lost's antics will be largely unnoticed. Once basic needs are met, the Almshouse allows the Changeling to network with others and helps them to begin establishing themselves. Also, for other Lost, it is a place to rest and relax in safety while visiting or passing through, meet up with friends or acquaintances, and give back to both mortal and Changeling society by contributing.
Services
- Housing: The basic need of shelter and security. Long-term guests are expected to make contributions to the Almshouse as well as efforts to find their own housing. It's not a permanent home, but it's a place to stay until you get on your own two feet again.
- Goods: Donations to the Almshouse are distributed per the needs of their guests. Food, clothing, toiletries, and other basic need items are available for those in need. The Almshouse also has a kitchen which serves a meal once every day.
- Medical: Area doctors have donated some of their time to coming in and tending to residents who could not otherwise afford medical care. This includes both physical and mental needs. There is also a registered nurse on staff 24 hours.
- Legal: A number of Toledo Attorneys have given their permission to be referred to indigents needing either criminal or civil counsel. By providing their services pro bono, guests may receive the proper defense they require.
- Education: Occasional seminars and training sessions are held by various volunteers to teach guests basic life skills. Topics include parenting, interviewing for jobs, literacy workshops, support group sessions, anti-drug and alcohol seminars, cooking, proper hygiene, etc.
- Placement: Due to the contacts that the Broken Glass Almshouse has developed, there are many opportunities for housing and job placement, as well as getting guests involved in necessary programs. This is all in an effort to help a person regain their independence and life. Some services include in-house longterm employment opportunities, identity services, and financial aid.
Theme
Shelters are dark and rather depressing places. Guests are often there not because they want to be, but because they have no place else to turn. Some are ex-convicts or mentally ill. Some just ran into a bad spot of luck. Men, women, children, elderly, whole families come to this place for a last chance. They're broken, yet this may be where their last vestige of hope rests. That small seed of the possibility of a chance is enough to keep many from losing themselves completely.
Participation
Both mortals and Lost can get involved with the Almshouse. By volunteering their time as workers, cooks, supervisors, secretaries, doctors, teachers, and nearly anything, it's the people that keep this place running. Connections are always important to this kind of organization, and it thrives off of the aid of others alone.
Contributions
Individuals can also donate money and items to the Almshouse. Some do so on occasion, some are patrons and sponsors of the house regularly. Once a year, Toledo hosts the Toledo Tough-man Contest, and the Almshouse always receives a portion of those proceeds. No help is turned away.
Affiliates
- The Innkeepers - Network of Lost safe houses
- Candy - Founder and current Innkeeper of the Broken Glass Almshouse
- Elvis O'Connor - Patron and supporter of the Inn and its keeper
- Race Ardent - Regular visitor who assists the Almshouse in many ways
- Laurel Thorn - An occasional patron and visitor to the Inn
- Erised - Innkeeper of the sister house, Reverie in New York
- Sean Briggs - Mr. Briggs keeps a small workshop in the back of the Almshouse.
- Dub - Dub is the Inn's peace-keeper and collections agent, behave yourself.
OOC Info
Mechanics
A large wing of the Almshouse is dedicated solely to Changelings and those mortals who have been granted the gift of site. This Hallow area is also the permanent home to a few, full time residents.
Hallow (Size) x3, Hallow (Amenities) x2, Hallow (Doors) x2, Hallow (Wards) x2
Contact
Please contact Stephanie Williams if you have interest in a tie with this safe house.
