Two organizations – NIU’s Women’s Resource Center (WRC) and Hope Haven- will work together to clean up the addition to Hope Haven’s facilities prior to its opening.

As part of its Selfless Saturdays program, volunteers can sign up with the WRC to help in a variety of charitable events. It was decided to help clean up Hope Haven, 1145 Rushmoore Drive in DeKalb, as it comes closer to the end of remodeling.

“We really respect the work they do in the community,” said WRC graduate assistant Ashley Eberle. “It was a site that needed help.”

Hope Haven began remodeling to enlarge and improve the facility July 1. The additions include 30 new beds to the men’s shelter and building a playground, said Michael Newman, Hope Haven emergency shelter coordinator. The space will officially open Nov. 1.

The WRC hopes to pick up the dust and debris left by construction workers.

“[The WRC] just asked, ‘How can we help out?'” Newman said.

The WRC chose to help Hope Haven as part of its goal to assist local sites, Eberle said. The next event will take place Nov. 5.

Eberle said she is uncertain where the next Selfless Saturday will be or what organization will be helped.

“I think it’s an example of cooperation between the university and community,” said DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen.

Those who wish to attend future events must sign up to volunteer with the WRC by filling out a volunteer interest form, which can be found online.

Eberle said any are welcome to attend Selfless Saturday or other WRC events.

“We are interested in getting the campus involved,” Eberle said. “Students, faculty and staff are more than welcome and can call to sign up.”