Because of you, two new families are ending homelessness
April 12, 2023
Your support makes so much possible! We recently asked for financial support so that we could start serving two new families before Easter. We are happy to share that through your support two new families have started the journey to end homelessness. Olena* is the mother of one such family:
Olena and her daughter came into the program while temporarily staying with a family friend. She works hard at her job, but does not make enough to rent an apartment on her own. Bridge of Hope was suggested as an option for help. Though she was hesitant at first about forming relationships with Neighboring Volunteers, she decided to give it a try.
Immediately, Olena and her Bridge of Hope Case Manager started working on finding housing, looking at many apartments together over several weeks. Since English is Olena’s second language, her case manager was able to navigate language barriers and also help answer Olena’s questions. Her Neighboring Volunteers jumped in too. One Neighboring Volunteer found a donated car, and she met with another to talk about starting the search for a new job.
Early on, Olena saw her Neighborhood of Support show up for her and that made her more comfortable and open. As a protective reflex, Olena was initially uncomfortable with the idea of bringing her daughter to a gathering to be introduced to her Neighboring Volunteers, but Olena sensed that it would ok and changed her mind. They had a wonderful experience and made a crucial first step in starting to trust Bridge of Hope and her Neighboring support!
In this season of Easter, we are celebrating Neighboring, and churches who say yes to loving their neighbors facing homelessness.
~Rachel Thomas Steadman, Program Director
PROGRAM NEEDS
- We are seeking housing for two families. One is looking in Kennett Square and the other in Tredyffrin Easttown (TEMS). Let us know if you are aware of such housing opportunities!
- We have a family that needs a car. Do you have one you could donate?
SPRING GALA
Our Spring Gala is coming up on Friday, May 12, 2023 at DoubleTree Resort, Lancaster, PA. Joining us is guest speaker Niro Feliciano, author of “This Book Won’t Make You Happy: 8 Keys to Finding True Contentment.” There are opportunities to attend in person or virtually.