Local shelter group Oasis House urges partnership as it expands services for unhoused residents

Representatives from Oasis House told the Ontario School District board that the community faces larger-than-expected homelessness needs and outlined a plan to expand shelter and day-service capacity. Kylie Schroeder, speaking for Oasis House, introduced director Chrissy Blush Chapel and described existing operations and planned shelters.

Schroeder said Oasis House currently operates from St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, provides meals (the group said it can serve about 90 meals in a day), clothing, pet care and limited services, and is preparing to stand up a men’s shelter and a separate women-and-children shelter. She said the organization is privately funded (not accepting state or federal funding at this time) and partners with regional organizations to avoid duplicating services. Schroeder told the board the group is seeking volunteers, donations of fresh food and proteins, clothing and shoes, and several hundred thousand dollars to secure buildings and staff shelter operations.

During public comment, Oasis House estimated the number of unhoused people in the community at roughly 400–500 (the speaker contrasted that figure with smaller estimates often quoted by city or law‑enforcement sources). The organization said it is building partnerships with local health providers, Lifeways, the health department and regional shelter organizations to provide medical, dental and pet-care access inside the new shelter model.

Oasis House representatives described intake practices (walk‑ins/phone contact) and asked the public and local agencies to refer people in need. They said volunteer roles include food preparation, clothing distribution and informal companionship, and emphasized that immediate material support (fresh food, proteins, shoes) is an ongoing need.

Board members thanked the group for the presentation; no district action or funding commitment was made at the meeting. Oasis House said it will continue community outreach and coordinate with the chamber when announcing facility locations and volunteer opportunities.