News Letter
Albany Helping Hands
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News Letter |
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Albany Helping Hands |
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. Update on our New Homeless Shelter: Dear friends and supporters of Albany Helping Hands. I want to give an update on what is happening at our new shelter.. Praise and thanks to the Lord building #1 is now completed at a total cost of $300,000. We still owe $7,000 in order for us to pay it off completely. Included in this building is a commercial kitchen, dining hall, and the administration offices from which Albany Helping Hands will operate.
There are three phases of construction for building #2:
It is such a blessing to have so many churches and individuals in our community working together to make this new shelter a reality and all for the glory of God. God bless you all and thanks again for your much needed support. This truly is a community wide endeavor and a place that your love has built. In His Love and Service,
Pastor Les Bailey Executive Director
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Who are the Homeless?
Many of us in our community are only a paycheck or two from becoming homeless ourselves. Yesterday, an anonymous caller called to ask where she could bring her donations. After some hesitation she proceeded to talk about her job at a business here in Albany. She has worked there for many years, but lately she has been concerned about her job. She said “They have laid off many people due to budget cuts and are continuing to do so. Will there be room for me if I lose my job?”
In the early 1980’s most all of the State Mental Institutions were shut down due to a budget-cutting drive. The federal government slashed funding for many if not most mental illness programs across the United States. This put thousands of the mentally ill out on the streets. Many of the homeless today are dealing with some type of mental illness.
Drug and alcohol addiction has been ever increasing in the homeless population. Alcohol addiction has always been a reality for many of the homeless but now with the proliferation of methamphetamine labs, drug addictions are becoming just as common. Heroin addiction is also becoming more prevalent.
There are also many homeless who have either been sexually, mentally, or physically abused. When this happens to a person they many times have no other place to go. An individual in this state can have difficulty functioning normally in society.
Many homeless have just been released from paying their debts to society. They have been away from “normal society” for so long that it is difficult to adjust. There can also be problems finding adequate and affordable housing. They need that stepping stone to becoming a productive member of our community
(17But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:17-18)
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What do we as a community do to help the homeless in Albany? Each person’s need is different, thus, we must work with each person based on their individual need.
At Albany Helping Hands:
· We provide a warm bed and hot meal to anyone in need. This is provided in a loving Christian environment.
· We provide spiritual guidance and Christian counsel
· We assist in creating a “life plan” for each resident. (how they can move to accomplish their goals)
· Together with Linn County Mental Helath, we assist the mentally ill in finding the proper treatment and place to live.
· We help in finding the assistance a person needs to overcome their drug/alcohol addictions.
· We hold weekly bible studies and church services, helping to spread God’s love and message to all.
· We assist in providing the resources necessary to find housing
· We help them and other needy families in Albany to furnish their home at no cost to them.
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Albany Helping Hands Guest Coordinator
A newly created position at Albany Helping Hands has enabled me to become fully involved with the lives of those who are experiencing homelessness in our community. Beginning in December (2004), I began my position as Guest Coordinator of AHH. Prior to accepting the position, I was a volunteer at the shelter. My job allows me to work individually with the guests who stay at our facility. I work a lot on goal setting with our guests, as well as access resources within the community for them. I provide job referrals and search for affordable housing. In fact, two of our long time guests recently moved out into their own apartments. It is so exciting to see people progress.
Often times, homelessness is a temporary circumstance, not a permanent condition. The National Coalition For The Homeless makes an accurate statement when they say, “Homelessness results from a complex set of circumstances which forces people to choose between food, shelter, and other basic needs. To end homelessness, attention needs to be given to: ensuring people can obtain a job that pays a living wage, adequate assistance for those who cannot work, affordable housing, and access to healthcare.”
Psalm 140:12 says, “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” The work the Lord has allowed to be done with regards to our new facility is definitely testimony to that. Our God is an awesome God! What a pleasure and honor it is to join the community effort to help the homeless in our community.
Barbara Thayer Guest Coordinator
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The fundraising committee continues to seek funds to complete phase three of our project. The following information has been gathered regarding the operation costs of the new shelter. We currently are housing 80 to 100 individuals each night.
Operating costs of our new shelter:
$13,383.00/month to keep the shelter open $440.00/day $5.50/person x 80+ people on average per day
What do we provide with the money
91,144 meals/year 29,200 bed nights/year 2 family quarters
John Donovan Development Director
Albany Helping Hands Homeless Shelter 615 9th Ave. S.E. P. O. Box 2252 Albany, OR 97321 (541) 926-4036 www.albanyhh.org
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