Homeless Mom’s Job Growth!
Do you remember Eileen, whom we told you about back in November? She has been able to negotiate more hours at the nursing home where she works. She is not only earning more money each week, but now she also receives benefits. A member of Eileen’s Friendship Team is working with her regularly to improve her English reading skills so that she can study for the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test, used to be the GED), and we partnered with the Financial REACH Center in Quincy to help her clean up her credit report and pay off her debts. She is working hard at
learning new skills in money management – she actually loves using the envelope system! The successes have not been without roadblocks, yet Eileen and her kids are doing well. I am always amazed at how hard she is willing to work to improve life for her, her kids and their future.
More Hotel, Motels for Massachusetts Homeless Decreases Dramatically
As you may know, most of the families have been moved out of hotels across Massachusetts. There are now less than 60 families in hotels statewide, as opposed to thousands previously. This has been accomplished by increasing the number of shelter beds, where families get more services than they do in hotels. It also means making funds available to some families from when they first requested services, so that they can avoid entering the homelessness system.
Churches Form Motel Teams To Befriend Homeless
The motel teams from South Shore Baptist Church in Hingham and First Presbyterian Church in Quincy did a tremendous job ministering to the families who were living at the Super 8 Motel in Weymouth. They continue to pray for and with these families in shelter, helping some practice their English, sharing books and toys with the kids, and eating with them. These churches generally provide a sense of encouragement and hope, or what we sometimes call “the ministry of presence.” We praise God for these teams’ faithfulness and willingness to bring love and support to their struggling neighbors.
Church Mentoring Program for Homeless Families Grows!
While we are no longer minister to families living in hotels, we still provide the church with the opportunity to engage in long-term, life-changing relationships with families in shelters or struggling in the community. In our Church Mentoring Program our fourth church is coming on board. We welcome Wollaston Church of the Nazarene in Quincy. Currently, we are interviewing families to find the best ‘fit’ for the mentoring program. We would appreciate your prayer support in this!
Social Worker Summer Volunteer Needed
My colleague Sara Mitchell (from our partner Starlight Ministries) is on sabbatical for the summer. I pray she comes back rejuvenated and refreshed! Perhaps you know of a social worker who would be interested in volunteering with us a few hours each week, providing case management for a family? Should you know someone, please have them contact Lora Wooster, LSW, 617-939-3709.
Fundraising Coordinator Volunteer Needed
Another need we have is for someone to help coordinate fundraising efforts with businesses in the community. These businesses usually will donate a portion of their profits to charity such as Panera Bread’s or Savers’. We really need someone who will help us in this area on a regular basis. Perhaps organizing an event for your church is more within your reach, please let Lora Wooster know, again you can call Lora at 617-939-3709!
Help Homeless Families in Different Ways
Your partnership with us, whether you pray, donate money, or include a struggling family in your life, is deeply appreciated — we believe that God is truly at work!