“Why don’t you just get a job?”

December 2010

Dear Friends,

At Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation we know that a steady paycheck is more than money – it is a source of self-esteem and a catalyst for change. That is why helping clients enter and remain in the workforce is an integral part of Mercy’s coordinated services that work to end homelessness. Help us continue to bridge the gap between the streets and permanent housing with a generous gift to our Annual Fund.

Mercy has developed innovative programs like the Jumpstart Job/Life Skills Program that helps clients who can work to get a job, or get a better job and stay employed. Jumpstart tackles the barriers to employment that people who are homeless face: no address, no phone or transportation, professional and educational limitations, background issues, poor or non-existent credit, lack of access to or knowledge of technology, substance abuse and mental health problems.

Elsa, a former client, single mother and certified nurse’s aide, is a perfect example of how Mercy’s programs help people transition from dependency to self-sufficiency through education, job development and support.

Suffering from a debilitating addiction and disconnected from her family and job, Elsa was experiencing homelessness for the third time. In November of 2009, determined to succeed, she entered the transitional housing program at St. Elizabeth House in Hartford. She worked closely with her case managers to address her addiction and housing problems. In addition, Elsa worked with Mercy’s employment specialist. As a result, Elsa had her CNA license reinstated within a few weeks and two jobs lined up.

Elsa says, “I have continued to work both jobs for the past five months. I have signed a lease for a new apartment and have reached my ultimate goal – to bond once again with my daughter and rebuild our relationship. I have been given a second chance at life and through the grace of God I am truly blessed.”

Your gift to Mercy Housing will ensure that clients like Elsa receive the support and care that they need to get back on their feet.

Now is the time to join an engaged community of people who are committed to Mercy’s mission and want to play a personal role in ending homelessness. Your gift will help us realize our mission to empower our clients to become independent so they may live and work with dignity and respect.

Be part of the solution. Please give generously to this appeal.

In Mercy,

Sister Patricia McKeon
Executive Director

P.S. Making a gift to Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation has never been easier! Visit www.mercyhousingct.org and click on “Donate.” Or, use the enclosed return envelope. Thank you!

One Person Can Make A Difference

It is possible to do something about ending homelessness. At Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation, it is our mission as counselors, educators and administrators to help guide people who are homeless back to independence and to help people at risk of homelessness to keep their homes.

We do this by providing food, clothing, a comfortable place to sleep, medical care, case management, recovery assistance, job assistance and help getting their own apartment. Key to this are the core values of respect, compassion and responsibility.

The items below are always gratefully accepted. For more information on donations, contact Rochelle Simon, Director of Development, at (860) 808-2036 or rsimon@mercyhousingct.org

Toiletries
Toiletry items are an on-going need at Mercy Housing and Shelter, especially the Friendship Center where residents of the community may take showers, get clean used clothing and have a hot meal.

Soap, deodorant, combs, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lip protection, razors, shaving cream, shampoo and sanitary products. Travel sizes work best.

Other Necessities

• Umbrellas, baseball caps, large bottles of shampoo, feminine products.
  
• Undershirts, socks, sweaters, sweatshirts and sweatpants, men in XL, XXL and XXXL sizes.
• Small appliances, dishware, cookware and utensils for people moving out of homelessness into their own apartments.
• Clean and gently used twin and full sheet sets, pillowcases and blankets
• New pillows, new mattresses and new towels
• Clean and gently used twin sheet sets, pillowcases, blankets and comforters are needed for the people who live in our transitional housing programs.
• New pillows, mattresses and towels are needed for transitional residents and for people starting out in their own apartments.

Cold weather clothes

• Boots for men and children.
• Hats, gloves, and coats all size for men, women and children.
• Men’s suits and sport coats, near new dress shoes (all sizes for men and women).
• Thick socks, thermal long underwear.

Gift cards: to Walgreens, CVS, Dunkin Donuts, Stop & Shop, Wal-Mart, Target; pre-paid phone cards and bus passes.