New Homelessness Initiative!
Have you noticed the increased presence (or at least, visibility) of homeless persons in our community? On Sunday, January 21st, 2018, David Vanderveen, Executive Director of Hope Ministries, outlined the causes of homelessness in our community and the response being taken by Hope, the City of South Bend, and a number of other community partners. He also invited US to partner with them by hosting one individual or family as they transition out of homelessness to living back in the community. Two key elements are involved: 1) 2-10 people willing to intentionally cultivate supportive relationships with the individual or family--calling, visiting, and so on, and 2) financial support to subsidize housing beyond the 30% of income that all financial planners regard as the appropriate and sustainable level for housing costs in a budget. I strongly encourage you watch the full presentation below to understand the true reality on the ground, exactly how our participation would work, and why this approach will be effective. I then invite you to contact me if you would be willing to help with the relationships and/or finances of an individual or family trying to get back into the community and back on their feet: 574-255-5585 (church office), adamclarknd@gmail.com.