Metropolitan Ministries’ Post

Can you believe that 2024 will be here in less than a week? I can't wait to see what we (staff, volunteers, and donors) are able to accomplish next year by partnering together to fight homelessness and food insecurity. Let's also work to end the stigma of homelessness. With the economy, sometimes it just takes one financial emergency to end up homeless. These financial emergencies can range from losing a job, a medical emergency, new landlord, becoming disabled, or a health/safety issue in what was a home that led to homelessness do to the lack of affordable housing. There is still time to donate this year to set us up for success going into the new year. https://lnkd.in/gntYe7te

If there ever there was a crisis requiring close coordination between Federal, State and Municipal elected officials, it's the current migration crisis. An iron-clad policy for process and standards for migration, coordinated across all levels of government, is desperately needed, despite the complexity. Our neighboring city, Methuen, is taking the brunt of it, but Haverhill is being impacted. A local non-profit is seeking assistance to help teach English because new dialects are arriving. This is on top of our current crisis - the people and families that struggled during the pandemic to make ends meet are continuing to struggle. Housing is scarce and expensive, and demand for our essential food banks has not subsided, but donations have. Jobs are changing and re-training is necessary. Competition for basic resources, such as housing and food, amongst high-risk Americans, such as the homeless, financially struggling families and Veterans, to name a few, is happening. Coordinated action is needed immediately across all layers of government before it is too late. https://lnkd.in/es-DwVjE

Private investors are able to profit from the homelessness crisis to help solve it by investing in supported housing.  What this means is that the government funds a series of housing providers, charities, and care companies to provide care and housing for vulnerable people in society.  These people could be homeless, victims of domestic abuse, ex-addicts in recovery, children leaving care, asylum seekers across the whole spectrum. There’s a funding package from the government to house and care for these people. The care providers that are funded to do this need houses to put the people in.  Where this intersects perfectly is, as in investors, we’re able to buy these properties and then lease them to the care providers. That in turn, gives us a government-assured income whilst at the same time, delivering a much-needed service to those people who need it by providing housing. We find ourselves in a really fortunate position with this because we are in a business that: 1. Makes profit. 2. Makes a material social impact.

Together, we're bringing hope and stability to those in the Roanoke Valley who are facing homelessness or housing insecurity. Through collaborative efforts, we're committed to ensuring that homelessness is rare, brief, and non-reoccurring. In 2023, our three housing programs made a significant impact, providing nearly $400,000 in financial assistance for rent and utility support. This support prevented homelessness and secured housing for 286 households, including 98 children. But our work extends beyond numbers; it's transforming lives. Each statistic represents a story of hope and resilience. However, the need in the Roanoke Valley remains urgent. As housing costs soar and economic uncertainties persist, more individuals and families need help. Your donation supports our efforts to continue to provide these vital services, increase the effectiveness of our existing programs, and help us serve more individuals and families across the Roanoke Valley. TOMORROW is the BIG DAY! GIVE now at https://lnkd.in/d6vkz9tN #giveroanoke2024

🆘 Our Winter Appeal Needs Your Help! The Government’s cuts are causing continued hardship for tens of thousands of New Zealanders, and The Salvation Army is struggling to keep up with the demand. In just the first six months of this year, we’ve provided food assistance to over 60,000 Kiwis. With rising living costs and recent Government decisions, our Winter Appeal is more important than ever. Jono Bell, our National Director of Community Ministries, explains how inflation, changes to social support, and housing insecurity are creating a perfect storm for poverty. We’ve had to cut our food response by 25% nationwide from 1 July due to a lack of funds. This Winter Appeal, we urgently need your generosity to support those in need in our communities. Donations fund crucial services such as foodbanks, supported accommodation, financial mentoring and addiction counselling. Join us in making a difference. Your support is vital. Learn more and donate at Salvation Army Winter Appeal. https://lnkd.in/gqZCp7qK #WinterAppeal #SupportKiwis #salvationarmy

By donating food, you help those most in need, but by donating food with a short expiry date, you also prevent food waste and care for the natural environment. Cooperation with Food Banks in this area may become an important element of your company's CSR policy. #foodbank #fooddonation #sustainability #corporatesocialresponsibility

Charities have argued that the 28 days eviction notice given after receiving a positive decision is too short as it doesn't give people enough time to find accommodation, a job or access benefits. It is incredibly disappointing to hear that the Government have recently changed it to an even shorter time frame of 'a 7 minimum of days'. We know that Council waiting lists are very long and although they have an obligation to provide emergency accommodation to families with children, those without may be at risk of finding themselves homeless. https://buff.ly/3splBss #RefugeeWomen #Refugees #TogetherWithRefugees

As we're so close to the target we've decided to extend the deadline for 4 weeks to help us reach our goal. Today we're at 88% could you help us to get to 100%? What your money will do LATCH will use your investments to transform 6 empty properties, into 6 high quality and energy-efficient homes in Leeds. To help homeless families with tailored supported housing in single family homes as opposed to houses of multiple occupancy giving them the settled secure base they need to rebuild their lives after homelessness. Last year 80% of our tenants were female and we housed 88 children, very often women and children are not thought of as homeless as they are less likely to be visibly street homeless but living in cars, B&Bs and women's refuges is still leaving these families without homes. https://lnkd.in/eeMBE_m3 #ethicalinvesting #invesing #shares #communityshares #investment #trading #leeds #charity

❄️Right now, the most vulnerable people in our community are being forced into poverty and homelessness at an alarming rate. A drastic lack of affordable housing combined with soaring demand for rental properties means even those with jobs simply can’t afford homes. 😟Many more are struggling to keep a roof over their heads while coping with sharp increases in housing, health and food costs. It’s just not right. 👋But you can help. A donation of $72 today can help provide food hampers and warm clothing so vulnerable people and families have more money to put toward the rent. 🙌Please make an urgent tax-deductible gift today to assist vulnerable people with cost-of-living pressures. Thank you for your kindness and compassion! https://lnkd.in/gXWgnrs #WinterAppeal #StVincentdePaulSociety #Australia