Winter is just around the corner and our families need new (or lightly used) winter clothing items. You can participate in this drive by either emailing Jenna and getting a list of items needed for a specific individual or family. Or you can simply bring winter clothes shown on the flyer that range in size of 2T to 14/16 in both boys and girls. These items will be used for our alumni, prevention, and other families we identify that need help going forward.
Items can be dropped off from 9-11 am:
October 17 at Emmanual United Church of Christ, Oconomowoc or
October 24 at Family Promise of Waukesha County, 139 E. North Street Waukesha 53187
Meet our volunteer heroes Denise O'Halloran and Gail Frangiamore! Highlighting these two volunteers is exciting because this project is a collaborative effort between two sisters! Together Denise and Gail have a program that furnishes the apartments for families when they move out of the Family Promise of Waukesha County shelter. They are also supported by a crew of helpers. This project is a great gift for families not only because they lost their homes, but usually everything they had owned. Most come to us with only the clothes on their back and a few items they can carry. This is an important way to help them get their life restarted!
Joe Nettesheim, shares his Insights Into Homelessness. There is a myth that says families or individuals experiencing homelessness should just be thankful for whatever they receive. Why? They are people like us, who have preferences, likes and dislikes. Empowering families means that we have a responsibility to listens to their preferences. Doing so lifts them up and supports their dignity.
4. FAMILY UPDATE: COVID CAN IMPACT THE HEALTHY
This week we paid rent for a mom, with two children ages 17 and 7, who had to quarantine from work because someone at her workplace tested positive. Fortunately, no one in her house contracted Covid-19. However, the virus still impacted her. Being quarantined meant that she missed work for 14 days resulting in the loss of one paycheck. Her margin is so small this meant she could not pay all of her rent. She also needed help with food since she did not quality for food assistance. Individuals and families who are Asset Limited, Income Confined and Employed (ALICE) simply do not have the resources or safety net to absorb the loss of a missed paycheck. Most adults in the families we help, do not have the type of job provides paid time off or allows them to work remotely. It is families like this that we help with our homelessness prevention program.
5. FAMILY EVICTED DURING MORATORIUM
This news story is further evidence that the federal eviction moratorium is not a panacea. There are requirements that tenants need to fulfill to be eligible. The best way to remain in your home is to pay your rent and mortgage. Need help? We are here.
