What are you thankful for this November?
That is the question posed by Becky Beavers, the director of operations for the Mountain Homeless Coalition (MHC).
For Beavers, she says the “opportunity to serve my mountain neighbors during a difficult time in their journeys” is a gratitude that pops up regularly.
“We at the Mountain Homeless Coalition are so thankful to be able to use the donations entrusted to us to house and protect families who might otherwise suffer the loss of their homes or sleep in fear and cold.”
In their November newsletter, the MHC highlights some of the people and organizations for whom they are thankful.
They have monthly individual donors who give them hope to be able to continue offering services in times when government grants dwindle.
They are thankful for assistance from local churches and service organizations.
When Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church put on their annual Broadway show, they contributed $800 to Mountain Homeless Coalition from the proceeds. They also provided $500 for student snacks and $500 for the Coalition’s direct services.
St. Richard’s Episcopal Church donated from their Outreach fund when they heard the MHC was waiting for the “slow cogs” of county government to turn.
Pastor Stipp with Lake Gregory Church gave funds so a homeless single lady would not have to sleep outside but could stay at a local motel while the MHC worked with her on a housing plan. Today she is moving into her own rental.
The Lake Arrowhead Mountain Sunrise Rotary put together and donated hygiene packets and dental care bags that they donated to the MHC.
And the Mountain Homeless Coalition is thankful to local businesses like Cedar Glen Fine foods; they doubled what a sister company raised in a biking fundraiser. The MHC received $650.
Several motel managers have compassion on local households and offer special rates for the MHC’s clients. Thank you to Cheryl at Arrowhead Treetop Lodge, Andrew at Bear Creek Resort and Ray at Hillcrest Lodge.
Erin Willcutt, owner of the Oak Leaf Bakery in Crestline, offers several loaves of homemade bread each week for MHC’s clients.
The Mountain Homeless Coalition is thankful for their newest board member: Jacqueline Lauder, who is an educator and advocate for the aging “boomer” population.
And they are thankful for their own heroes, like Father Gary Bradley, the MHC’s vice president, who went the extra mile for two of their clients.
For more information on the Mountain Homeless Coalition or to donate or volunteer, visit www.mountainhomelesscoalition.com.
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