From left are Josiah Lamp, Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. director of housing and community development, Sarah Gilbert, Greater Jamestown AM Rotary president, Mary Rappole, Zonta Club of Jamestown service committee member, and Diane Hewitt-Johnson, chief executive officer of Chautauqua Opportunities Inc.

The Zonta Club of Jamestown and the Greater Jamestown AM Rotary Club have donated to the Hope Haven Women’s Shelter being developed by Chautauqua Opportunities Inc.

The $5,238 donation from the Zonta Club and $5,125 donation from the Rotary Club will help pay for furniture and equipment to get the shelter up and running. The new shelter for homeless women will be managed by COI and will serve up to 18 women at a time, with assistance provided to help them transition from homelessness to permanent housing.

“Zonta International’s mission is ‘Build a Better World for Women and Girls’. Our Jamestown chapter joined with the AM Rotary Club to make an impact, supporting the needs of the women in our community. Our members realize it is a privilege to be part of the solution,” said Mary Rappole, a member of the Zonta Club’s service committee.

The two clubs worked together to communicate the need to their members and raise funds for the furniture and equipment.

“We are thrilled to work with Zonta to fund a significant portion of the furnishings for the new women’s shelter,” said Sarah Gilbert, president of the Greater Jamestown AM Rotary Club.

The shelter, located at 303 Lafayette St., Jamestown, will offer a safe and supportive environment for women experiencing homelessness. Staff will be on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help guests and coordinate with other human services organizations. The facility was recently renovated with state and local funding and is preparing to open soon.

Additional donations of hygiene and other items may be made through a registry at amazon.com/registry by searching Chautauqua Opportunities.

“COI is extremely grateful for the generous donations received from both the AM Rotary and the Zonta Clubs. Their contributions have helped to furnish the women’s center, which is imperative to the success of the services we will be providing. We are forever grateful to those individuals who donated, as well as to Mary Rappole and Sarah Gilbert, who coordinated the donations,” said Diane Hewitt-Johnson, Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. CEO.