ALFRED – York County Shelter Programs has launched “A Year of Care,” a fundraiser for YCSP’s adult and family emergency shelters.

The goal is to raise $23,360, which is a year’s worth of care for an individual at each shelter. It costs $44 a day to care for a resident at the adult shelter in Alfred and $20 per day for an individual at the family shelter in Sanford, less at the family shelter because meals are not supplied and there are fewer beds, so there are fewer staff members. YCSP staff say.

Shelter expenses include building and grounds maintenance, heat, utilities and meals. YCSP also provides professional services for mental health and addiction recovery; the agency helps people move into stable housing; it provides job skills training.

According to a news release from the agency, YCSP gave shelter to 700 people last year.

“We are hoping that people will understand how far a small donation can go,” says Michele Staples,YCSP’s Chief Financial Officer.“We are able to provide so much to people for a relatively small amount of money. We have been able to do this with the help of local businesses and people who just want to extend a hand.”

She said those who wish to donate may do so at the YCSP Facebook page or by mail. The address is: York County Shelter Programs, 24 George Road, Alfred, ME, 04002.