A primary need of every person is to have a place they can call home and sleep at night. Most of us are fortunate to have such a place, but many members of our community do not. There are many reasons for poverty and homelessness, and there are no simple solutions, but LOVE must be present if we want to tackle the issue and find a solution.
True love or charity is not a feeling; it is a decision, an action where we give of ourselves for the “good” of the other. The practice of “charity” requires two steps. First, that we refrain from judging others, and second, generosity – which demands that we give of our bounty, for “the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you” (Luke 6:38).
As one of the largest providers of sheltering services to the homeless in the region, our programs are designed to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place. Over the past ten years, because of your generosity, we have distributed $2,447,660 in direct financial assistance to 12,502 individuals and families. We have provided over 30,000 financial assessments, working with families and individuals to stabilize their financial situations. We have also provided case management and placed 663 individuals and families into housing through our Beyond Shelter Program, House of Mercy, and other local community resources. Furthermore, our community homeless facilities in Wausau, Eau Claire, and La Crosse serve more than 934 unduplicated guests annually.
It is your generosity that allows us to assist members of our community that are in need. It takes people to help people, but it also takes financial resources to sustain the work in time. I wish you could see the face of a homeless person when we find them a home or when they are cold and come to our shelter. It shakes your heart and soul. We need your continued support! Please help us make a difference in the lives of the families and individuals that require our assistance. Let’s put our love into action.
