With a slow economy, most non-profit organizations are feeling the effects through low donations in 2010. As year end approaches, you still have a chance to make a donation (you can do so on their website) to this valuable charity that changes lives here in Salem. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to post this year end letter from Salem IHN — a charity that has captured our hearts years ago.
The car was parked in the back of the store parking lot each night for the past three nights. Exhaust idled out of the tailpipe and the windows were fogged. The engine turned off and the baby cried as her parents kept her warm by adding another blanket over the car seat. “I hope there’s room at the shelter tomorrow…”
Every day families in our community in tough financial situations lose their housing. After falling behind on bills and selling possessions, another family loses their home and is left without the resources to move into an apartment or continue to live with friends or family. Parents have few places to turn that are safe for their children and that can provide a helping hand in starting fresh and securing housing for their family. Every year, over 40 families find that help at Salem IHN.
With our network of 14 hosting congregations, 15 support congregations and 900 volunteers, Salem IHN is bringing families out of homelessness and offering a community of support that helps families move into their own apartment and continue to succeed after leaving the program. Our intensive case management services help both the families staying in the program and an increasing number of families outside the program find connections and services to become successful.
Families make up 40 percent of our city’s homeless population and half of the children are under the age of six. It is vital that these families are able to stay together in a safe environment while they seek employment and plan how to move into a home of their own again.
With your generous financial support, this critical service will continue to serve homeless families next year with shelter, meals and case management. Every gift makes a difference, no matter the amount. I hope that you will partner with us to continue our invaluable work by making a financial contribution this holiday season.
God’s peace and love to you,
Andrew Lane
Executive Director
Margaret Oscilia is a Board member of Salem IHN and a Professional Home Stager serving Salem Oregon and surrounding areas.
Professional Home Staging – Reliable Contractor Repairs – Beautiful Results!
