The Stable Foundation
Working to End Homelessness in Athens, GAThank You Timothy Baptist Church
Thanks to Elder Stewart, Natasha, and all of the good people at Timothy Baptist Church. TSF met with the outreach group last evening to talk about homelessness in Athens, and how we can work together to help children and families in need. We talked about putting together a “Care Group” made up of concerned citizens to work with the family. We talked about having a coordinator from Timothy who works as the point of contact with the family, TSF and the referring agency like Interfaith Hospitality Network or the Athens Area Homeless Shelter. We talked about a “Make-Ready Day” where volunteers can work on the home to be occupied, to clean up, paint, do some landscaping, anything that helps our family feel welcome. We talked about ways to provide furnishings and other needs to a family moving into an unfurnished unit.
Steve, Patty and myself are so grateful for the Timothy Baptist outreach group for working with TSF and families in need.
Some Good Press
The Flagpole had a good article about The Stable Foundation this week.
Here is the link…
http://flagpole.com/News/CityPages
Its the second article on the page so you may have to scroll down a bit.
Church Care Groups Needed
The Stable Foundation needs Church Care Groups.
This Wednesday Steve Paul, and Patty will attend the Timothy Baptist Outreach meeting.
We would love to find ways to work together in the purpose of helping one homeless family into housing.
One thought is to have a Care Group work with the family. When congregation members hear of this effort, some will be moved to particpate, and see a direct and immediate way to help fellow brother and sisters and children most in need.
Additionally, the family, Care Group, referring agency and TSF make a plan for the family, that maps out the next 6 months and beyond.
Needs are identified and addressed. More importantly, human connections and bonds are formed. This is important work, work filled with joy and love.
What churches want to step up and work with these families and The Stable Foundation?
“Make-Ready” Day, Should We Do It?
What does everyone think of a “Make-Ready Day”, where volunteers and our family do clean up, painting, and yardwork at the rental unit?
The care group from the church will be out working with the family, improving the living space, and supporting the idea this home and family will be well cared for.
Better yet, we could also do this when the family is getting ready to move, so the rental is in better condition than when the lease started, and the landlord wants to work with us again.
Just a thought, let’s hear what everyone thinks.
Feb 08 Schedule
Feb 6 Wednesday 6pm, Timothy Baptist Outreach Meeting, Steve and Paul
Feb 7 Thursday, Lunch Meeting, Courtney AAHS, Steve and Paul
Feb 8 Friday, Lunch Meeting Andy Carswell, Steve and Paul
Feb 16 Saturday, Fundraiser noon-8pm, Georgia Poker Club and TSF
Feb 19 Tuesday, 7pm TSF Meeting, Amici’s downtown Athens
Feb 23 Saturday (tentative) “Make-Ready” Volunteer Day
How Does it Work?
TSF provides housing to homeless families and eventually to chronically homeless individuals. We are a new organization so there is a bit of faking it until we make it, but this is how the process looks.
TSF works with a family who is referred by Interfaith Hospitality Network or the Athens Area Homeless Shelter. We commit to three months rent, security deposit, and renter’s insurance. The family is partnered with a care group from a sponsoring church along with the referral agency. We come together to identify what hurdles exist and we make a plan of action. We surround the family with love and support. We provide a human connection of care and concern.
Its not a handout. Its a plan for self-sufficiency with clients and concerned citizens working together.
Contact
Steve Phillips – Director
steve@august-construction.com
706 614-1942
Paul Lazzari – Secretary
paul.lazzari@gmail.com
706 542-6303, 706 769-8813
Patty Freeman-Lynde
pattyfl@bellsouth.net
706-254-2178 cell
Thanks
Many thanks are in order, and I know I wont cover everyone who has thanks coming, but thank you John Clark, our first donor. Upon hearing of TSF, John responded from the heart and pocket. Thank you John Shores and Amanda Swennes for editting help, and Ashley with the web site.
Thanks to Dee Simbro who has sent a small pebble rolling from the top of a very large hill.
Thanks to everyone who patiently listens when we talk about The Stable Foundation.
Ask and you shall receive
Incredible. In the last 24 hours we have had two landlords commit to working with The Stable Foundation. One has a rental unit on a busline in Athens for $350 / mo. and the other has a two bedroom house in Oconee County for $400 / mo. Both landlords believe strongly in providing affordable housing and back it up with action.
With our first fundraiser next month, we may be able to place two families in March rather than just one as we had hoped.
If you are a landlord or property manager and want to work with The Stable Foundation or just learn more, leave a comment.
Thanks.
