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This blog provides the top 5 highlights or updates about Family Promise of Waukesha County for Friday, February 10, 2023.
The Friday Five is a weekly blog post/update that focuses on the top five occurrences, issues, opportunities facing Family Promise each week. It is our hope that it will help you stay informed and connected to the mission of Family Promise of Waukesha County.
Our mission is to help low-income families and families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable independence
through a community-based response.
The stories you can read this week are:
Is housing a right or a privilege?
This week our photo is a logo! The Titus Talent Strategies made a donation of $2,500 toward a match for a new grant to assist in preventing family homelessness. Thank you!
More information about that grant coming soon. It will be a $15,000 grant that requires an additional $5,000 raised locally from NEW donors. Thanks to QPS Employment and Titus Talent We are $1500 away from reaching our goal.
1. MESSAGE FROM JOE NETTESHEIM
In this message Joe Nettesheim invites you and any organization to which you belong to help Family Promise implement a new program to provide temporary housing accommodations and transform the lives of families experiencing homelessness.
2. WAUKESHA COUNTY HAS WORST
JOB TO HOME RATION IN STATE
There are 1.37 jobs available for every household in Waukesha County. What this means is that many who work in Waukesha County do not live here. Perhaps the reason is that 42% of those who rent in Waukesha County are considered cost-burdened or pay more than 30% of their income on rent. It seems that every week there is a new story about the harm the lack of affordable housing is doing to our families and communities.
There is not a fast and easy solution. We hope by preventing family homelessness and expanding shelter capacity, we are making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.
POLL OF THE WEEK
Housing is . . .
A right
A privilege
3. BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February is Black History Month. It is important for our organization to focus on black history because there is a discrepancy when it comes to homelessness: According to the US census, 14% of the population is black while nearly 40% of those who experience homelessness are black. Policies such as red-lining and race based restrictive covenants for the purpose of segregation makes it important for all of us to be informed and celebrate black history month. The fact that on February 2, 2023 the legislature is considering a law to end racial restrictions that still exist in some property deeds is sobering.
One resource we want to share, with his permission, is the facebook page of Derek Mosely. Derek was an assistant District Attorney for Milwaukee County, and served as a municipal judge in Milwaukee County. Recently became the Director of the Lubar Center for Public Policy at Marquette University. Everyday in February he shares a story about black history on Facebook. These posts are interesting, engaging and educational. We encourage you to follow Derek and learn about the historical experience of being black in the United States.
4. DONOR APPRECIATION
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we want to show our appreciation and love for all those who financially support Family Promise!
Due to a change in program models that occurred in early 2020, our expenses have risen by 167% Fortunately our income has also grown by 180% The increase in charitable giving to Family Promise has allowed us to increase the number of families served by 400%!
The financial support we have received during a pandemic, one of the most challenging times in our lives, has been humbling, heartwarming and essential to helping families experiencing homelessness or economically vulnerable.
Without your compassion we would not have been able to provide payments for rent and utility assistance enabling 78 families to keep their homes in 2022. Without your generosity we would not have been able to lease five apartments and provide shelter to 17 households in 2022.
It is this generosity that encourages us and gives us confidence that we can expand our capacity to help more families.
On behalf of families who have a roof over their head, Thank you and Happy Valentine’s Day.
5. SHAPE THE FUTURE
Family Promise of Waukesha County is seeking leaders to help shape the future of our
organization. Our goal is to update and reinvigorate three committees. Therefore we are seeking people who have a passion and vision to support people experiencing homelessness. The three committees are:
Program Committee
Explore strategies and services that would enhance our ability to serve families experiencing homelessness.
Fund Development Committee
Procure resources necessary to support our growing and expanding programs
Finance Committee
Provide advice on how to best utilize our resources on a finance committee.
These committees would meet 4-6 times a year. Connect with Joe Nettesheim for more information.
TREASURES OF THE CHURCH
Family Promise of Waukesha County is being awarded the Treasures of the Church Award from Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. The award will be presented by Archbishop Jerome Listecki at a luncheon on March 28. There is still time to register. We hope you will join us for the celebration:
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
February 12-18 Host: First Congregational UCC Oconomowoc
February 13 Golf Outing Planning Meeting
February 19-25 Host: TBD
Feb 26 - Mar 4 Host: Reformation Ev. Lutheran Church
Mar 5 - Mar 11 Host: St. Theresa
April 20 GIVING DAY
July 24 Family Promise Golf Outing
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA. JUST CLICK THE ICONS BELOW.
You can also join our Facebook volunteer group to learn about volunteer opportunities.