The week of Nov. 13 students at OHS will be donating to Rachel’s Light, a charity organization, during their cash drive week. Rachel’s Light is a non-profit agency and a shelter where women and children are given opportunities to escape the struggles of homelessness.
OHS Student Council chose three charities for the student body to vote on in order to make the donations during Cash Drive feel more personal. The options were sent out to students on Oct. 23, 2023 and from there students voted and chose to donate to Rachels Light. Student council member Kate Sande said, “I think it was a great choice for us to donate the Cash Drive proceeds to. I think it’s an amazing charity that supports local women in our community to help get them back on their feet.”
Rachel’s Light gets its funds from grants and generous donations from many people and schools. During Cash Drive these donations will come from lunch fundraising, a pep rally, classroom competitions and more.
This Organization has a mission to “instill faith and empower women experiencing homelessness to become self-sufficient by utilizing a strength-based approach.” Rachel’s Light first opened their living space during Sept. of 2019. The name of the organization comes from a woman in the bible who fails to become her best self, as to them it’s a guidance to let them know that they are cared for and will be helped. Another way they incorporated the bible into their organization was by naming the rooms in the house to be people of the Bible.
Rachel’s Light helps many live out their purpose when in need of help. Board member Amanda Starks said, “It’s important to have our youth understand how bad homelessness is… and having the youth come together.” OHS students have a goal of raising at least $1000 while they are actually aiming to raise $7000 towards this organization.
Many students who had previously heard about them voted in order for OHS to choose to donate to them. Senior Olivia Flores said, “As I learned more and more about Rachel’s Light I thought it could be one of the most important places to donate to because anyone can be homeless.”
Rachel’s Light hopes to grow their non profit and open new locations in the near future with the help of the Owatonna community. Starks said, “We know that we need to grow and service more because we see that it’s a need.” After a generous deal made to the organization allowing them to rent property at a low price, their housing of 11 beds is currently full but families are able to go on a waiting list.
Though it is hard to imagine that people in the community could be within the struggles of homelessness there are places in Owatonna to help.
Rachel’s light can be contacted at: 507-451-1202
