A PATH OUT OF HOMELESSNESS
ID -Why IDs? Without a certified Birth Certificate a person cannot get
a State ID/DL or Soc. Sec. Card and, therefore, no work or benefits.
Birth Certificate may cost $25-40 and may take 4-8 weeks to obtain
if they were born out-of-state. We maintain a file to prevent loss.
MM- Why mentoring? Many homeless persons lack trust or have had
bad experiences with agencies/government. They may feel unwanted
and frustrated by feeling no one cares nor will really take the time and
listen to their life stories. They are often confused and do not know
where or to whom to turn for guidance. We provide mailing addresses,
phone access and track appointments and contact clients when needed.
Mental health issues often further complicate all of the above situations.
CC- Why clothes closet? Many homeless have foot problems from walking all
day in wet and worn-out socks and shoes. They cannot get job interviews
without a shower and decent attire. Many entry level jobs require dress
shoes/work boots they cannot afford until they receive paychecks. Inclement weather requires protection from the elements, especially if living outside.
We also provide free haircuts by licensed barbers for a better appearance.
Used shoes, boots, jackets and dress pants are always in short supply.
FM- Why foot ministry? Clients have difficulty finding transportation and have
to walk everywhere. Medical issues increase with damaged feet. Washing
and caring for another’s feet is a pure form of servanthood that breaks down
barriers and treats the other person as being on equal footing. This increases
communication and trust to determine their actual needs and concerns. Foot
care improves overall attitude and well-being as well as mobility.
EA- Why emergency assistance? Often families in need with children have to
choose between food or utilities. Children may not be fed when school
is out. This aid helps to bridge the gap in lean times. Persons trapped in area
need help with bus fare to return to family where they may have shelter
and support. Even at Grady Hospital, medicine for diabetes, high BP, and other
essential supplies are not free, and without aid the condition may worsen.
FP- Why Food Pantry? Families need nutritional food that can be cooked as a
better alternative to a poor diet of sandwiches and junk food. Aid can help
fill a short-term need between pay checks/financial assistance. Other
supplies such as diapers, baby food, paper goods and hygiene supplies (that
may not be available with food stamps) are also provided. The church’s
regular food drives and community food bank replenish these items often.
Food items are for individuals or families with apartments or who share a
kitchen with others. Food is available only a limited number of times year
per family as an emergency benefit.
WK- Why WhizKids tutoring? Staying in school is a major factor in youth
working their way out of poverty. Completing an education has been
proven to be a deterrent to adult incarceration. Adults in the family may
not have capability to provide tutoring in math and reading that are needed
to keep children at grade level and to achieve academic success. Volunteer
tutors provide adult role models and mentors to encourage and foster study
habits and homework. The youth see the rewards and satisfaction of grade
improvement and make friends who will praise and acknowledge each
accomplishment toward success with the resulting self-esteem and pride.
WC- Why a transitional center? Many women who find themselves divorced,
abandoned or running away from abuse do not have the skills,
resources or work history to find immediate self-sufficiency. Self-esteem
and confidence are often a hindrance to job searches and interviews.
Psychological counseling, financial training, interview skills and
emotional support lead transition from total dependence to independent
living over time. As jobs are obtained, the residents are set up in their
own apartments and provided on-going support and guidance.
IT- Why Tax filing? Tax filing can help clients obtain money due them,
alleviate back penalties to IRS, and prevent liens and garnish-
ments. Efforts are made to clear any identity theft issues and to set
clients on the path to financial independence and employment.
ID -Why IDs? Without a certified Birth Certificate a person cannot get
a State ID/DL or Soc. Sec. Card and, therefore, no work or benefits.
Birth Certificate may cost $25-40 and may take 4-8 weeks to obtain
if they were born out-of-state. We maintain a file to prevent loss.
MM- Why mentoring? Many homeless persons lack trust or have had
bad experiences with agencies/government. They may feel unwanted
and frustrated by feeling no one cares nor will really take the time and
listen to their life stories. They are often confused and do not know
where or to whom to turn for guidance. We provide mailing addresses,
phone access and track appointments and contact clients when needed.
Mental health issues often further complicate all of the above situations.
CC- Why clothes closet? Many homeless have foot problems from walking all
day in wet and worn-out socks and shoes. They cannot get job interviews
without a shower and decent attire. Many entry level jobs require dress
shoes/work boots they cannot afford until they receive paychecks. Inclement weather requires protection from the elements, especially if living outside.
We also provide free haircuts by licensed barbers for a better appearance.
Used shoes, boots, jackets and dress pants are always in short supply.
FM- Why foot ministry? Clients have difficulty finding transportation and have
to walk everywhere. Medical issues increase with damaged feet. Washing
and caring for another’s feet is a pure form of servanthood that breaks down
barriers and treats the other person as being on equal footing. This increases
communication and trust to determine their actual needs and concerns. Foot
care improves overall attitude and well-being as well as mobility.
EA- Why emergency assistance? Often families in need with children have to
choose between food or utilities. Children may not be fed when school
is out. This aid helps to bridge the gap in lean times. Persons trapped in area
need help with bus fare to return to family where they may have shelter
and support. Even at Grady Hospital, medicine for diabetes, high BP, and other
essential supplies are not free, and without aid the condition may worsen.
FP- Why Food Pantry? Families need nutritional food that can be cooked as a
better alternative to a poor diet of sandwiches and junk food. Aid can help
fill a short-term need between pay checks/financial assistance. Other
supplies such as diapers, baby food, paper goods and hygiene supplies (that
may not be available with food stamps) are also provided. The church’s
regular food drives and community food bank replenish these items often.
Food items are for individuals or families with apartments or who share a
kitchen with others. Food is available only a limited number of times year
per family as an emergency benefit.
WK- Why WhizKids tutoring? Staying in school is a major factor in youth
working their way out of poverty. Completing an education has been
proven to be a deterrent to adult incarceration. Adults in the family may
not have capability to provide tutoring in math and reading that are needed
to keep children at grade level and to achieve academic success. Volunteer
tutors provide adult role models and mentors to encourage and foster study
habits and homework. The youth see the rewards and satisfaction of grade
improvement and make friends who will praise and acknowledge each
accomplishment toward success with the resulting self-esteem and pride.
WC- Why a transitional center? Many women who find themselves divorced,
abandoned or running away from abuse do not have the skills,
resources or work history to find immediate self-sufficiency. Self-esteem
and confidence are often a hindrance to job searches and interviews.
Psychological counseling, financial training, interview skills and
emotional support lead transition from total dependence to independent
living over time. As jobs are obtained, the residents are set up in their
own apartments and provided on-going support and guidance.
IT- Why Tax filing? Tax filing can help clients obtain money due them,
alleviate back penalties to IRS, and prevent liens and garnish-
ments. Efforts are made to clear any identity theft issues and to set
clients on the path to financial independence and employment.
