Each week, 16 new individuals become homeless in the Fox Valley Area and knock at Hesed's doors seeking help, hope and access to the programs and partnerships that allow families to regain their independence and retain stable housing. Hesed House works tirelessly to transition at least 17 individuals out of homelessness each week, so no individuals and families will be denied shelter and a chance for a guaranteed brighter future. Through innovative programming, collaboration and community involvement, Hesed House has made significant strides in the last 25 years in fulfilling its mission to provide a central site for ministries that assist the Fox Valley poor and homeless to become self–sufficient.

Due to the increasing number of successful life–changing services available through PADS at Hesed House, we recognized the need to acquire additional space for getting homeless people back in their own homes at a more accelerated pace. Specifically, Hesed House is continuing to take proactive steps to streamline that process by creating a "one–stop shop" to provide services for homeless people. This comprehensive resource center will bring in staff members of multiple nonprofit and government agencies offering specialized services in their areas of expertise to work with Hesed House staff.

In order to accomplish this goal, Hesed House has purchased 680 South River Street, the property directly across the street from Hesed House's facility at 659 South River Street. The greatest benefit to purchasing this building is its location, as homeless people have insufficient access to transportation, making getting to other service locations difficult. This building will allow Hesed House to bring life–changing services within a centralized, pedestrian–friendly location. Creating this centralized location of life–changing services – providing space for partnerships with other service agencies working with Hesed staff – the building is designed to blend skills and talents to accelerate and streamline the path out of homelessness. Every inch of Phase I renovation will be dedicated to direct services, such as substance abuse recovery, job training, and mental health assistance, among others.

The following agencies have either committed to or are considering placing staff at the new facility:

• Aunt Martha’s Youth Services (medical center)
• Waubonsee Community College (GED/education specialist; employment training)
• AID (mental health care)
• Breaking Free (substance abuse counseling)
• Harvesting Hope Children's Program (critical thinking and social skills)
• Brun & Associates (children's private and group therapy)
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters (one–on–one mentoring)
• Family Counseling Services (behavioral health and credit help)
• Prairie State Legal Services (legal counsel)
• IL Veterans Administration (accessing rightful benefits)
• Open Door Clinic (HIV/AIDS and STD assistance)
• Hope for Tomorrow (addiction recovery support)
• VOSH (vision care and eyewear)
• Marmion Military Academy (student leaders mentoring male adolescents)

Although the current economic situation has been tough on all of us, there is no better time to challenge our commitments to the less fortunate than NOW. If you make your gift by December 31, 2008, your gift will be DOUBLED through a matching grant program established by individuals in our community!

Please don't miss the opportunity to increase the impact of your generosity today and in the future! With your support, we can create this comprehensive homeless resource center, and empower individuals and families to take their first steps toward regaining permanent and stable housing.

$5,000+ – Growth Partner: ensuring Hesed transitions 17 individuals out of homelessness each week so no man, woman, or child who knocks at Hesed's doors will be denied access to these life–changing services.

$2,500 – Champion: championing the cause of the poor and disenfranchised and helping empower them to regain their footing and work toward a permanent and stable housing situation.

$1,000 – Investor: investing in the lives of people and in their ability to fight for a brighter future by providing them with the right resources to reclaim their lives.

$500 – Ally: partnering with us to restore hope in the lives of the thousands of men, women, and children who come to us for help.

$250 – Advocate: upholding this important work in the community and demonstrating compassion for the poor among us.

$100, $50, $25 – Supporter: supporting our vision of ending homelessness – one person, one family at a time.

Additionally, numerous naming opportunities within the new building still exist!

• $500,000 – Building Naming Rights
• $150,000 – Training and Conference Center Naming Rights
• $50,000 – Educational Opportunities Area
• $50,000 – Financial Stability Area
• $25,000 – Humanitarian Service Partnership Area
• $15,000 – Case Management Area