MESI Major Case Study

I just wanted to mention a few things about the Manhattan Emergency Shelter, Inc. (MESI) who I did my major case study on.

Quick facts:

MESI can house 26 people in their location in Manhattan, where they provide temporary housing (6-10 weeks, but it’s circumstantial), and any sort of aide toward obtaining jobs, etc. Basically, they try to help their clients get to the root of why they are temporarily homeless and make sure that they can get back up on their feet.

Mandy Chapman Semple, executive director, believes that the poverty rate in Manhattan, Kan. is up to about 40%….which means that many times K-State students don’t see the amount of poverty that is all around them. Along with Semple, there are only about 5 people on staff at MESI. 

Much of how MESI survives in the community is by federal grants (local and state). Fundraising & contributions also make up a huge chunk in their operational fees. Semple does much of the fund-seeking for the organization, but it is hard to do when she is so busy and doesn’t have a large staff to assist her.

Upcoming events:

MESI is moving into a larger house: will be able to serve more clients and hopefully hire more staff (if there are enough funds).

Goal: raise $100,000 in the next two years.

I have a LOT more info. on MESI but I don’t want to bore everyone with a long LONG report, so if you have any questions or want more info. just ask!