Homeless with no family in the Twin Cities, Erin was pregnant with her first child. When the baby was born, she moved into a shelter with her newborn daughter. The shelter provided a few basic necessities for new mothers, but since she was homeless previously, Erin came to the shelter without much of anything to begin her journey into motherhood. Threshold to New Life bought and delivered a care package of many of the items needed for a new baby. Erin was grateful and we’re thankful to have the resources permitting us to “step in the gap” for her and her young daughter.
Author: Richard Bahr
Pack n’ Play
We were contacted by Simpson Housing regarding a client about to have her second child. She works at a convenience store just down the block from her apartment. She planned to take a short time off with her new baby, then return to work while her mother watches the kids. She has been a successful housing client and needed help outside what Simpson could provide.
Our newest client helper, Marie, handled the initial call and did a great job understanding the need so a speedy decision could be made to help. A couple of our team members located a new Pack n’ Play, as requested by the client, to use as a crib as well as some much needed diapers.
A unique request and one for which T2NL was happy to step in the gap.
Client helped by closing a small gap
Simpson Housing is a key partner for T2NL, referring clients to us that are beyond their organization’s ability to help. One case worker called us their “last resort”. T2NL was able to step in and help this client and were recognized by Simpson Housing for the support we provided.Mom hospitalized. Family fell short on rent
While the mom was hospitalized, dad stayed home with the kids as they couldn’t find adequate childcare. Because of this, dad missed three weeks of work. Thankfully, he regained employment, however with the shortfall in earnings, the family fell behind in the rent.
Along with a grant from T2NL, the family was able to make a payment arrangement with the landlord.
How wonderful is it to assist in keeping this hard-working family in their housing and not be out trying to find another place during the holiday season?
BBQ at Higher Ground Shelter in Minneapolis
We did this last summer and stepped it up a bit this year. Brothers Butcher shop in Maple Grove gave a steep discount on 200 burgers and 200 hot dogs. Six volunteers showed up to cook and serve. All men that came into the shelter Tues, Sept 1 had the choice to enjoy some BBQ, chips and a bottle of water. Thanks to those who helped, T2NL providing the funding and to a holy and merciful God that meets and loves us right where we happen to be at in life.
Combat Wounded Veteran Gets Wheels
Through several connections, our ministry provided a car to our client Tyrese. He was wounded in the Gulf War but isn’t content to live on disability. As a matter of fact, he seems not to recognize that he has one. Regularly Tyrese holds down two or three jobs including running his own one man cleaning service.
When the transmission went out in his last vehicle, we launched into action. Through several connections we met Annette at Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (http://www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org/). She put the word out in their network and located a generous donor willing to part with their car for the cause.
What a blessing! I never get tired of seeing how God works and enables His purposes to be fulfilled. We’re grateful to Annette and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon as well as the donors for the heart to give. Tyrese was elated and hopes someday to give back as he has been given to.
Three Generations Share a Home
Brenda is on disability and lives in a modest apartment with her daughter and grandchildren. Her daughter works and between this and the disability payments they can usually make their financial obligations. Brenda has really taken to the time at home as she watches the kids and works to have a positive impact in their lives. She asked for, and we obliged, bibles and covers for the children as she wants to teach them about Jesus. T2NL provided some rental assistance during a brief shortfall. We really love Brenda and how she’s working to make her house a home.
Relationship over time
A nice young mom of two boys has been with us for about six months now. She works full time and the boys attend middle school. We first came to know her when she needed coats for her sons last winter. Then, during a move, we provided some funding for a storage locker, which we then moved her stuff out of and into her new apartment (side note – thanks to the GRACE MEN’S GROUP for helping with the move!). Once in her new pad, we discovered she had no beds for the boys, so we provided beds (graciously provided by a donor) as well as a set of new sheets. God wants to be in a long-haul relationship with us, so we hang with our clients as He does with us.
Back into college
We found a young man staying at a homeless shelter in Minneapolis that received a full ride college scholarship at a small college out east. The ‘gap’ was a need for assistance to get re-enrolled and pay the application fee. We paid the small fee, he did the paperwork and received his acceptance letter AND confirmation of his scholarship this week! Sometimes its the small things we do that make the biggest difference in someone’s life.
Four Families Spared from Homelessness
A nice “thank you” from Grace at Simpson Housing. Threshold to New Life got involved financially to support four families when their support ran out. We’re blessed and loved….so we bless and love others.
