I have largely been absent for the last week or so. I am spending most of my non-work time organizing a BBQ fundraiser here in Raleigh.
We are selling BBQ plates to raise money for a local charity:
PLM Families Together is developing a new housing service that moves families directly from homelessness into housing or from other shelters into housing. Rather than having families move from shelter program to shelter program in today’s times when the short term stay at shelters is not enough for family stabilization, we will focus on stable housing first. Once housed, we will continue to work with the family for 12 months, helping them learn the skills for budgeting and working with landlords that is needed to maintain that housing. Housing first reduces the number of transitions for the family. Initial rental subsidy will be available for housing and will gradually decrease as families meet their goals; a less expensive model than renting our own apartments.
Additionally, we are selling tickets that will donate a plate to Urban Ministries of Durham.
Urban Ministries of Durham (UMD) welcomes approximately more than 6,000 people each year who come seeking food, shelter, clothing and supportive services.
UMD is the point of entry, triage and emergency services in the Durham homelessness continuum of care network. Our programs are designed to:
- Help prevent homelessness by providing food and clothing to offset living expenses and by referring guests to others in the community who may be able to provide additional help;
- Assist those who are homeless by providing emergency shelter, stabilization assistance such as recovery programs and medical referrals, and to help them connect with the resources that will enable them to return to stable housing as quickly as possible;
- Foster collaboration with community partners so that coordinated efforts can provide needed longer term housing and supportive service needs; and
- Offer support with dignity and compassion to neighbors in need, regardless of their ability to leave homelessness at the time.
It’s been very busy and challenging, but the event will be held this weekend. I can’t wait to see the whole of the experience result in success.
By the way, if you’re interested in participating, I have the ability to sell tickets through PayPal and you can contribute to the donation of a plate of Carolina BBQ to the folks over at UMD. Just drop me a note in the comments or e-mail me at:
pino.online@gmail.com
I hope to resume more full time blogging very soon!