20170102 - Assistance Center (HRB)

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H. Rick Bamman - hbamman@shawmedia.com The Old Firehouse Assistance Center site director, Megan Bennett discusses on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, services available to those in need at the renovated building in Woodstock. “If they get connected with a service provider here before they’re placed in permanent housing, that service provider themselves can do the follow-up with them,” Bennett said

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H. Rick Bamman - hbamman@shawmedia.com The Old Firehouse Assistance Center first time client Fred Ahlmann seasons his lasagne and garlic toast lunch Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017 in Woodstock. Ahlmann said he had heard about the center a year ago, and decided to drop in to receive “just a little bit of warmth, get out of the elements for a little bit, get a meal [and] some advice.”

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H. Rick Bamman - hbamman@shawmedia.com The Old Firehouse Assistance Center client Richard Cozza talks with New Life Transitions executive director Charles Spague Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017 in Woodstock. The 63-year-old Cozza, has been coming in and out of the center for the past year. Cozza said he goes to the AA meetings the center hosts, and likes coming to the center to be around others who are trying to become sober. “Here you can be all alone,” Cozza said. “But people will talk to you if you get upset. If you’ve got a problem, counselors will help you here.” Cozza said despite being here a year, there are many people he’s met on the streets who don’t know the center exists.