"JEFFREY LEE/Portage
Associate Broker, honorary chairperson for Walk-For-The-Homeless, Prudential Preferred REALTORS
In an age of connectivity you would think information about homelessness would be easily accessible. The truth is we only catch glimpses of it. Often the homeless hide in the shadows, unseen in the transient comings and goings of our community. Nobody posts on Facebook that they are moving out to a place yet unknown. No child tweets that they have to choose which of their toys, clothes and homework to keep in a car for the next two weeks. Last year, I met a woman who made that decision. I met her walking to fight homelessness. Though no longer homeless, she recounted the hardship of loss, difficulty at school and the help that solved her family’s housing crisis.
As we walked I wondered what it would be like to be 10 and living on the streets. Imagine parents struggling to put food on the table, pay utilities, car repairs, when the daunting task of moving is forced upon them. The pressure and stress must seem unbearable. Fortunately, a family in crisis has Housing Resources Inc.
HRI takes a long-term view to solving housing crises. They not only provide housing, but prevention programs that last year helped 1,175 people keep their housing. In 2012, HRI responded to 8,364 inquiries for information. HRI provides community referrals, emergency shelter placements, homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing and affordable housing options.
On Saturday, HRI’s 24th Annual Walk-For-The-Homeless will bring our community together. The 3-mile walk begins at the HRI Eleanor Street shelter. You can find out more about HRI and pledge your support for the walk at www.housingresoursesinc.org"
Only a few more days left to donate! Click HERE to make a donation and help us end homelessness in Kalamazoo County. OR come to the Eleanor House on Saturday and WALK WITH ME! It will be really fun, I promise :)
Be the change. Make the difference.
No comments:
Post a Comment