Growing hope out of homelessness through relationships
One of top issues in the Allegan County community, like many communities across the nation, is a lack of safe, affordable housing. In 2008, we, at Love INC Allegan County launched our Homes of Hope Program in response to this issue, providing transitional housing for families in need. 15 years later, our program has served 13 families as they've recovered from divorce, domestic violence, job loss, evictions, addictions, and other life changing events. And while their lives have transformed through our work In the Name of Christ, we know there’s still work to be done here in Allegan County, and that’s why we’re not stopping.
This year, with your help, we’ll step into the expansion of our Homes of Hope Program with a permanent housing option.
Our goal is to provide 10 mobile homes over 5 years to families who complete the transitional housing portion of our Homes of Hope Program. We want to purchase, place, refurbish, and move the families into these homes, making it possible for them to eventually take ownership of the homes.
But we can’t do this alone.
For true transformation In the Name of Christ to take place, we need the help of fellow Christ-followers (our local churches), generous donors, and eager families who are ready to reach their God-given potential. We need our community to step up, and step into the lives of the families who are ready to be transformed, journeying spiritually, physically, financially, and, ultimately, relationally so that, together, we can grow hope out of homelessness.
Enabling home ownership and independence from state subsidies is no small feat, and a lot of details, requirements, responsibilities, etc. come into play. Inside this newsletter, you'll find more information on our 10 Homes Program—the ins and outs—and hear from a local family who's hopeful, eager, and being transformed In the Name of Christ.
It's our hope that you'll also see yourself somewhere in this process. What part will you play?
This year, with your help, we’ll step into the expansion of our Homes of Hope Program with a permanent housing option.
Our goal is to provide 10 mobile homes over 5 years to families who complete the transitional housing portion of our Homes of Hope Program. We want to purchase, place, refurbish, and move the families into these homes, making it possible for them to eventually take ownership of the homes.
But we can’t do this alone.
For true transformation In the Name of Christ to take place, we need the help of fellow Christ-followers (our local churches), generous donors, and eager families who are ready to reach their God-given potential. We need our community to step up, and step into the lives of the families who are ready to be transformed, journeying spiritually, physically, financially, and, ultimately, relationally so that, together, we can grow hope out of homelessness.
Enabling home ownership and independence from state subsidies is no small feat, and a lot of details, requirements, responsibilities, etc. come into play. Inside this newsletter, you'll find more information on our 10 Homes Program—the ins and outs—and hear from a local family who's hopeful, eager, and being transformed In the Name of Christ.
It's our hope that you'll also see yourself somewhere in this process. What part will you play?
Our 10 Homes Program is only possible with the participation of three integral groups of people, each with a list of important skills and responsibilities to bring to the table:
Love INC
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Churches (Christ-Followers)
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Families (Participants)
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Erin's Story
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At 32, I was a divorced, single mom with a cancer diagnosis who was barely making ends meet. I chose to hide behind the only coping tool I’d known since the age of 17, meth. I quickly lost everything; my home, my job, my kids, my health, and my freedom. In jail, I joined the Woman’s Reentry Program, designed to help women like me rejoin the world in a healthier way. It was in this program that I was first introduced to Love INC Allegan County.
Years later, and many struggles and successes along the way, I lived at a friend’s house while on probation amidst my medical issues stemming from chemo and a renewed sobriety. My probation officer suggested Love INC’s LIFE Skills program as a way to help me achieve long term help and sustainability. Here, I learned about the Homes of Hope Program where my kids and I could live without worry of homelessness while in relationship with God and the Church. I could get healthy, stay sober, pay debt, build credit, become more employable, and eventually establish sustainable housing. |
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The next step in this life transforming process for me is the 10 Homes Program—sustainable housing I can afford where I won't have to choose between heat or food or rent. For the first time in my life, I have hope that this home will give me a place to build from.
*For the sake of privacy, the writer of this story's name has been changed.
*For the sake of privacy, the writer of this story's name has been changed.