Greetings Pastors, Partners, and Volunteers,
We are back from vacation, officially retired from pastoring, and moving forward with Helping Hands Healing Hearts as well as The Good Samaritan Inn. Second quarter has been an amazing quarter for GSI. First we want to share HHHH events.
 In May, two very beloved volunteers, Mike and Beth Anne Williams, retired from  HHHH due to health reasons. We were so sad to see them go; they have been a mainstay in this ministry from the beginning, and even when it was Love, INC. We are so thankful for all the hours they put into this ministry. They are sorely missed by us, volunteers, and clients as well. God bless you Mike and Beth Anne. Our prayers are with you.
In that same vein, we do have three new volunteers – Freda Wolf, sister of volunteer, Alma McChesnie; Therese Stevens, and retired doctor, Bob Rust. We are so thankful for God calling these people to come on board.
 Bob Rust’s medical experience was invaluable the very first day he served. We had a diabetic client come in that had just moved here from CA and her medical coverage had not yet transferred. She was having difficulty getting her meds and only had a two-day supply left. Bob Rust was able to share with her how to get her meds at an affordable price. Too, he suggested Bonner Partners in Care Clinic. We called, and they happened to be open that evening. They were able to prescribe her meds until she could get to see a doctor. What timing and work of God through our new retired doctor volunteer and BPICC to meet a serious need for this client.
Another favorite story is about an unusual donation. One day, we had a water heater and a garbage disposal donated. That’s very unusual, and we have not had that kind of donation before. We weren’t sure what to do with them. But guess what? The next day a client came in needing a water heater and garbage disposal! So amazing!! We feel so privileged to be God’s vessels in this way.
Our last favorite story is about a man from the library who was trying to help a homeless lady. He called to see if we would help her with lodging, which we did. Even though he did call to ask, he couldn’t believe we would do that. He said we restored his faith in churches. We are a joint ministry of Sandpoint Area Churches. So thank you churches and donors for enabling us to do what we do which blesses not only our clients, but those who see what God does through us.
August 14 will be our Annual Fall Giveaway from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This is open to everyone, not just  clients. So please spread the word and come check it out. We might just have something you want or need. We have an abundance, and everything is free.
 August 18 – 21, we will be sharing a fair booth with 7B CARES, 
a new non-profit faith-based emergency preparedness for Bonner County. Be sure to come by for a visit. We would love to see you!
As we said in the first paragraph, this second quarter has been amazing to see God’s hand at work in the forward movement of The Good Samaritan Inn. Last newsletter we shared that we had raised $70,000 for GSI through 2020 end of year donations and the Samaritans Pouch Fund Raiser. Last November,  through real estate agent, Whitney Papas, we became interested in a piece of property on Triangle Dr in Ponderay across from the school district offices. On Friday, April 30 at 10:30 am, Cathy, Toby Walrath, board chairman, and Barry Johnson, a board member were scheduled to meet with the owners of the property. We were going to ask the owners if there was any way we could work out some plan to secure this property. However, somehow we all missed each other. Then later that same day, Cathy met with a visitor, who had previously come by to check us out through the recommendation of a common acquaintance. After looking us over and visiting our website, they shared with us that Friday afternoon that they would donate the remaining amount we needed for land for GSI! We were beyond thrilled!! Right away the following Monday, Cathy called Whitney to ask if the property we wanted last fall was still available. She said there was an offer in on it, but we had 24 hours to get our offer in. Can you believe it? Boy did we and our board of directors scramble. We have such a wonderful board. We got our offer in, and it was accepted!! Cathy has a new word – YAYLELUYAH!!!
Now we are in the process of getting our site plan and special use code approved. Once that happens we can close on the property. City of Ponderay says that takes four to six months. The sellers have given us three months. Many, many thanks go to our great chairman of our board. Through his hard work and expertise, he is really staying on top of the game to get this process finalized. We are so thankful for him. Pray this all goes through in our allotted time period.
Here’s our last blessing to share concerning the forward movement of GSI this quarter. Cathy awoke one morning this month concerned about the finances for GSI. The fees for our approval process were growing, and we only had enough money for closing. She prayed, “God this in in your hands and You will provide,” and she rested in that. That very afternoon, we learned of a sizeable donation that more than covered our fees! Isn’t that so awesome?! That’s another big YAYLELUYAH! We just have to pinch ourselves to see if we are really awake. This dream is going to happen!
Once we close on the property, we are going to need to raise approximately $1.5 M to build. That seems like such a huge amount, but, with God, we as a community can do this. If you are so inclined to give, our address is 221 S. Division or you may go to https://qhsandpoint.org/give Thank you all so much for what you have given and will give. Together we can be God’s hand of love and blessing to the homeless in this community. We so appreciate you all and God bless you much!
Sincerely,
Jon and Cathy Pomeroy, Co-Directors Helping Hands Healing Hearts
221 S Division Ave, Sandpoint, ID 83864
phone: 208-263-6378 text only: 208-813-1266 fax: 206-350-2499
email: office@qhsandpoint.org website: www.qhsandpoint.org
hours: T 1:30 - 6:00; W & TH 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Second Quarter 2021 Stats - Helping Hands Healing Hearts
108 Client Accounts that includes
41 families, 14 couples, and 53 singles
for a total of 246 adults and children served
25 New Clients, 83 Repeat Clients, 156 Client Visits
Average 4 Clients Per Day
Open 37 Days (T,W, and TH) 3-4.5 Hours Per Day
18 Volunteers served 339 Hours
Resources Provided: Clothes 91, Food 42, Furniture 11, Kitchen/Housewares 32, Linens 45, Toiletries 20, Shoes 25,
Shower Voucher 1, Other 3
Financial Help Provided: Gas Vouchers 13, Lodging 12, Phone Cards 2, Utility Bill 4, Rent 2, Other 4
Spiritual Help Provided: Gospel Brochure 8, Gospel Presented 2, Accepted Christ 1, Not Yet/Not Now 1, Not Interested 3, Reaffirmed Faith 1, Pastoral Counseling in Center 2, Bibles Given 4, Church List Given 9, Our Daily Bread Given 68, Guides (Based on Prov 3:5-6) 17, Prayer Received 30
Referrals Provided: Housing 3, Celebrate Recovery 1, Specific Church 5, Priest River Ministries 2, Other 3
Information Provided: Our Classes Info 4, Medical Care Clinic 8, Community Meals 17, Community Resources brochure 16, GED 3, IP/DOL Jobs List 5
Homeless 24: 1 Couple, 4 Families with 7 Dependents, 11 Singles = 17 adults and 7 children
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