Each month Josephine Howell, the CES Housing Specialist, interviews over 100 callers looking for help paying their monthly mortgage. In the first week of January she fielded 150 calls, each requesting help. Some experienced job loss. Some had a medical emergency. Some had work hours reduced. All were seeking help to pay rent, to ensure a roof over their heads.

  One client called who needed $300 more to cover her rent. She had just gotten a job, was transitioning away from public assistance and needed the extra help to bridge between being  independent and being on her own. Furthermore, her family was tapped out (as is often the case in communities with high poverty). She desperately wanted to maintain her good rental payment record now that she was a wage earner.

  Josephine wishes she could answer ―yes‖ to this client and to others. However, the funding streams for emergency housing assistance are drying up. The major funder for rental assistance money, a local foundation, has changed giving guidelines. We hope to find other funding sources, but could use your help.   

2010 brings hope for a better year than the last couple of years. The economy is looking up, slowly, but up. Employment has stopped its rapid drop. Many, however, are either still or newly hurting in the area of safe, secure housing.

Do you know of any local corporations, foundations or private funders who are committed to homelessness prevention? Do you know anyone who might have a heart to help those in need of shelter?

If so, we would like to hear from you. Call CES at 612- 870-1125, extension 101 or send an email to cesmnoffice@yahoo.com .   As always, thank you for your thoughts, prayers and commitment to those less fortunate.

The CES Families in Transition (FIT) program was set up to not only assist families financially, but to educate them on what is needed to maintain their rental contracts, encourage them to new heights in God and even motivate them toward new directions. However, once they attend the one day session, many return to the same circumstances and dilemmas they left behind that morning.  In response to the need to re-enforce the FIT program, a pilot support program entitled SUCCESS has been developed! The acronym stands for: Succeeding Under Challenging Circumstances Empowered with Strength and Stamina! The program is based upon the Old Testament book of Joshua, a book filled with strategy, mapping, conquest and faith. Short and long term goals will be explored and identified and a realistic plan of how to achieve them will be developed. Our pilot program began Tuesday, November 3rd. While the pilot program was for four weeks, goal setting principles were reinforced as time was spent with participants who have a desire for change. 

  Costs for the pilot program were funded by an independent business owner, who covered the expense of research, materials, time and transportation.

“The book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8

  The pilot program was a great success and will be continued in 2010. Pray for these families as they make their way into a life of change and freedom.  by Josephine Howell, Housing Specialist

“You don’t know what this means to me. Thanks”

“Thank you for believing me and helping me start over.”

These are just a few of the comments I have received from people who have been able to remain in their homes because of CES. Many come to us in a state of crisis. One young mother, with twins, was trying to make it on her own. When I asked about the father of the children she stated he was on welfare and was not dependable. “I made one mistake,” she said, “But not again. I just want to do what is right without relying on him.” She had found a job at a medical center, but needed help until her first check arrived. Of course, we helped. With tears in her eyes, she thanked me over and over.  

  A mother of a two-month-old came to CES asking for help with rent because her family suddenly had grown. She had met a twelve-year-old girl on the streets whose mother was in prison. The father was on drugs and the girl had been moving from house to house. The mother, who was not much older than the twelve year old herself, gained custody of the girl and was helping her get into school. CES assisted, and both were able to have a new beginning!  

  Many notes of thanks are sent to CES after our clients receive help. They mention their gratitude to those who give, which in turn enables them to come to this place of comfort, support and hope.  by Josephine Howell, Housing Specialist