“John” had pulled himself out of homelessness and obtained steady employment and an apartment. Things were going well for him until his car broke down unexpectedly. His job required him to have a reliable car and he could not afford to replace it. Then an ongoing health issue resurfaced that required surgery. It became difficult to keep up with rent. Financial help from a couple of agencies helped him get through his recovery and Threshold to New Life helped him with rent so he is able to recover in his home.
Housing
Deaths Nearly Become Double the Tragedy
Sometimes our clients run into a string of unforeseen hardships all at once. Over the past year, “Marcus” had to deal with the death of his newborn baby and his sister. These tragedies involved funeral expenses and travel costs above his typical expenses. These events also led to severe depression and left Marcus struggling to make his payments. A grant from Threshold to New Life and other agencies assisted him in getting his outstanding rent balance paid off and he is now in a much better situation and has been able to remain in his home.
Box City Event
Blaine High School has hosted a one night homeless “simulation” with dozens of students every year. They raise money for Hope4Youth while having a life altering and bonding experience with fellow students.
Our Co-Founder, Richard Bahr, presented during the evening, along with a representative from Hope4Youth.
This was held on Thursday, October 13th, and if you remember last week, it was our first measurable snow that evening. A real chilling event for the students.
We are grateful for the leadership at Blaine High School and those working in a leading Hope4Youth, who are working to “Provide pathways to end youth homelessness” in Anoka county.
Safe and Sober
There is little that is more devastating in the lives of individuals and families than addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. We know how God loves to meet us in those broken places, and the brokenness left by addiction is significant.
That’s why lately we’ve been working with more sober homes. Those living on modest means and/or presently homeless and needing a small financial lift have been eligible for some of the new funds our government has recently made available. Our organization has continued to look for opportunities to “step in the gap” for those in need, and this continues to be a real need.
This woman will be successfully exiting her treatment program and in part due to our assistance, will be moving into a sober living situation. This is a critical steps early in sobriety; to get some “clean time” and establish new, healthy patterns of living. A sober house can provide a buffer between in-patient treatment and “real life”.
Thanks to all who support our efforts. We are “all in” for this woman, praying for her safe and healthy transition. We have little doubt that she will indeed “pay it forward”, as she suggests.
Grandpa and Grandson’s housing now secure
Stephen cares for his grandson, is on disability and needed temporary help as he was now left alone to care for himself and his grandson. He saw a spot we did on television at Thanksgiving and called to connect with us.
Threshold to New Life provided a one-time grant to assist with his housing situation. A few months later, Stephen replied to our follow up with the below message:
“I am happy to report that my life is truly blessed and I am living well Hallelujah, and that is a large part due to the charity that you and your wife showed me in my time of need …. I truly thank you both.”
We at T2NL are truly grateful and blessed to have the resources (time, talent and finances) to connect with such people as Stephen and his grandson to fulfill such a simple request, and receive the additional blessing of shared gratitude.
Under Lock and Key
One great feeling after having been homeless for nearly four years, is to receive the key for the lock on the door of the apartment you’re moving into. Those strong feelings of celebration were felt by our friend, Derby, as he just recently as he moved into his efficiency apartment in Minneapolis.
And to top it off, we put the word out to our supporters that Derby needed some basic things to supply his new home and we were startled by the tremendous support! Within three days, almost everything on the request list was filled!
Derby told us the day after we delivered the gifts that he was “overwhelmed by the way God showed His love through us and all the support I have received”.
Isn’t that the way God would love to have us feel all the time…overwhelmed by His love? It seems the distractions in this world tend to mute that feeling, and it’s great when we experience it…isn’t it?
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?
Closing a gap when entering new housing
LaTonya was staying at the People Serving People shelter when we met. We found her to be very gracious and ambitious. Her son is extremely well-mannered and helpful. She needed help furnishing her new apartment. T2NL located some furniture (couch, table, chairs and inflatable beds) as well as a TV set (with digital adapter) and a entertainment center, all from generous donors.
Mom approved for housing in suburbs
Kia has two school-aged children and found refuge in Maple Grove, once having been approved for housing. Our volunteer, Denise, stepped in to help enroll the children in their new school and take them school clothes shopping. Now that the kids are off to school, mom is looking to do the same at Hennepin Technical College.
