[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 25 (Thursday, February 8, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF CHAPEL HOUSE SHELTER

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                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 8, 2018

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chapel House 
Shelter, a nonprofit organization that serves homeless individuals in 
Cayuga County. On December 2, this wonderful organization celebrated 10 
years of helping members of our community get back on their feet.
   Founded in 2007 under the direction of Father Dennis Shaw and 
Executive Director Sandi Mettler, Chapel House provides a compassionate 
response to homelessness in Cayuga County. Once operating out of the 
gymnasium of the former Holy Family School on North Street, Chapel 
House has expanded and now provides emergency housing and services for 
men in a three-story, wood-frame house on Franklin Street.
   Today, this nonprofit organization relies on the support of 14 full-
time employees and 20 volunteers led by Executive Director Christina 
Thornton, as well as the generosity of individuals and businesses 
within the community. Thanks to the support of so many in our 
community, Chapel House Shelter is able to pursue its mission to 
provide our homeless neighbors with emergency shelter and the tools for 
self-sufficiency in a safe and respectful manner.
   This phenomenal group has helped over 1,500 people find a warm place 
to sleep at night, fed the hungry, and offered a sense of security for 
those in need. In the last five years, in partnership with the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Chapel House has assisted over 75 
veterans.
   It is my distinct honor to recognize the 10 year anniversary of 
Chapel House, and thank Executive Director Thornton, her employees, and 
volunteers for all they do to help support those in need and alleviate 
homelessness.

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