Homelessness is an emotionally and physically paralyzing event for any person who experiences it.  It is often characterized as an unplanned, traumatic, life-changing episode generally caused by other circumstances beyond the individual’s control.  For some, homelessness is a way of life.  It is chronic and debilitating and is sadly rooted in feelings of despair, hopelessness, and solitude. At one time or another you probably have reached in your pocket to provide change to that person on a corner displaying a cardboard sign asking for money for food and shelter.  You may have even volunteered at the nearby homeless shelter or soup kitchen during the holiday season because it seemed like the right thing to do.  While these acts of kindness may have been appropriate at the time, understanding the full impact of how homelessness results from a complex set of circumstances is critical to understanding how to end it. Poverty and the lack of affordable housing are two significant causes that contribute to homelessness today.  These two factors often leave families choosing  between healthcare, food and shelter, and even safety.  Thus, for many families this means they live with the imminent risk of homelessness.  This is often the sad reality for a mother leaving an abusive home life and now requires shelter for herself and her children, or for the school children returning home to find their belongings piled carelessly on the curb because of an eviction.  Poverty has a firm hold in society where work opportunities continue to disappear and the minimum wage continues to widen the gap between the low-wage earner and the affordability of a one or two- bedroom apartment. A staggering number of families pay more than 50% of their income for rent. And it is even more difficult to comprehend that full-time wage earners actually live in shelters with their children.  Contrary to belief, current public assistance programs when combined  are not enough to place a family of four above the poverty level.  The lack of affordable housing increases daily. There is such a large gap between the number of affordable housing units and the number of families who are in need.  Other contributing factors include the lack of affordable health care, mental illness and addiction disorders. Bethany’s mission to provide affordable, safe, decent housing is a passionate and committed attempt to address the homelessness one family at a time. Families are provided an apartment to call home and supportive services to support their participation in the program.  They are taught the tools to maintain their sobriety. They are required to develop and enhance work skills that are marketable for future employment and given an opportunity to nurture and raise their children in a clean environment. For many families this is an invaluable opportunity to start over. The ultimate focus and goal is to transition these families to a more independent life style and permanent housing situation. We hope that you will continue to support our vision to end chronic homelessness for families with children. For us, the journey has just begun.