CHN Network News, 3rd Edition
December 2003
4th Annual HOMES Coalition Dinner & Auction Benefits CHN
A Message of Thanks from CHN President, Marc Craig
Introducing the Independent Living Club
Meet Our Newest Staff Member Linda Velandra
We Couldn’t Do Without Her - Office Manager, Karla Chambers
Your Gift Makes a Difference
4th Annual HOMES Coalition Dinner & Auction Benefits CHN
Oh, what a night it was! On October 9th, approximately 210 men and women came out to show their support for persons with disabilities and the work of Community Housing Network. The Fourth Annual HOMES Coalition Dinner, co-sponsored by Cindy Boudreau, Steve Cole and David Layne, was definitely a night to remember. Service providers, advocates, realtors, builders, lenders and consumers were in attendance.
Participants enjoyed bidding at a silent auction before a succulent dinner of steak, fish or vegetarian fare at Andiamo’s Restorante in Warren. Donated auction items were in abundance and overflowed tables situated around the decorated room. Enthusiastic supporters bid on everything from baskets full of delightful goodies to trips, toys and sports memorabilia.
The number of auction donations this year far exceeded those of previous years. CHN staff members volunteered their time and talents with members of the HOMES Coalition to make the event a roaring success. After dinner, the HOMES Coalition shared the inspiring stories of three persons who recently became homeowners with the assistance of Community Housing Network. Two of these individuals were present and received a standing ovation. Deeply moved while speaking to the new homeowners in attendance, Homes Coalition President, David Layne admitted, “I’m just afraid I am getting more out of this than you are.”
The evening concluded with the live auction of an array of great items such as a stunt plane ride (for the very adventurous), time-shares in various WARM locations, a cruise on Lake St. Clair in a BIG boat and dinner at home, cooked and served by a well-known local chef. The HOMES Coalition is an all volunteer committee formed to raise public awareness of the need for accessible housing for those with disabilities. The event brought in over $50,000. CHN is extremely grateful to the HOMES Coalition and everyone who attended the festive occasion. This participation and support helps us to continue to make affordable housing available to persons with disabilities in Oakland County.
A Message of Thanks from CHN President, Marc Craig
In this season it is appropriate to take time to appreciate the abundance that surrounds us, and to think about the ways in which we can help other members of our community. This is the second year that CHN has had the privilege of helping to address the housing needs of people with disabilities. The support and encouragement that we have received in the last year has been phenomenal. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers, contributors, and funding sources that have contributed to our success. We could fill this and several other pages with a list of those who have helped CHN toward achieving our mission. Here are just a few:
First, our thanks goes to David Layne, Cindy Boudreau, Steve Cole, and the Homes Coalition who for the second year have honored CHN by selecting us as the beneficiary of their annual dinner and auction. In addition to raising a substantial sum of money to support our work, the Homes Coalition has helped to raise community awareness about the housing needs of people with disabilities. I would also like to thank the Metropolitan Consolidated Association of Realtors (MCAR) for their support and very generous donation. Next, to our partners at National City Bank, who supported several CHN projects and built a strong and effective working relationship with us. Through its staff such as Kathy Moore and Laura Kelly, and its relationship with the Federal Home Bank of Indianapolis, National City has helped us to promote home ownership and affordable long term housing for people with disabilities.
Once again I would like to thank our volunteer board of directors who have given generously of their time, talents, and financial resources. Our board takes their responsibilities seriously, and has set ambitious goals and high policy standards for the organization.
Our thanks also goes to the staff and Board at OCCMHA who have provided the funding resources necessary to support our activities, and for the trust that they have placed in us to carry out our mission. Without this support, community resources such as the Housing Resource Center would not be possible.
Now, more than ever, there are so many worthwhile causes to which individuals and corporations can contribute. The fact that our work at CHN has been selected as an important cause by so many people and organizations across our community inspires us to strive even more to create and maintain desirable housing choices for people with disabilities in our community. May your holiday season be filled with love and joy.
Introducing the Independent Living Club
Community Housing Network, Inc. will sponsor a new, ongoing program of education, self-help and mutual support for homeowners and renters. This innovative program will take the form of an Independent Living Club. The Club will meet bi-monthly at the new CHN offices and will be led by Linda Velandra, CHN Family Resource Center Specialist.
The Club format will assist individuals with a wide range of issues related to homeownership and leasing. Some of the topics that will be covered include money management, weatherization, fire safety, conflict management and grocery shopping. A special emphasis will be placed on how to increase income without adversely affecting entitlement benefits. A variety of home maintenance topics, tips and community resources will also be made available. In addition, open discussion will empower members to share their unique issues and concerns with the rest of the group.
This support group will create an environment where the participants learn from each other. CHN will provide incentives to participate in the Club by maintaining a fun, upbeat atmosphere. Field trips or social activities, such as trips to workshops at local home improvement stores, may be scheduled. Additionally, individual or group support sessions may be held to address critical housing or leasing related needs of the members.
The Independent Living Club will provide ongoing support, will foster individual stability and group cohesiveness, and will stimulate the participant’s growth and motivation to maintain and enjoy their home or apartment. Club meetings are not limited to homeowners or renters. Friends, family members, and supports coordinators are welcome to attend. For more information please contact: Linda Velandra at (248) 928-0111. We look forward to seeing you.
Meet Our Newest Staff Member Linda Velandra
The Housing Resource Center has become better known over the past year and activity has increased tremendously. To met the growing need, CHN recently created the new position of Housing Resource Center Specialist. We welcomed Linda Velandra, a compassionate professional with substantial experience assisting persons with disabilities. Linda comes to us from the Saginaw area where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Saginaw Valley State University. She previously worked for Saginaw County Community Mental Health as a supports coordinator. “That job was my first experience working with people with developmental disabilities. I found the individuals and their families very rewarding to work with.” Linda’s duties in the HRC will be to assist persons with disabilities, their families and supports coordinators with information, referral and technical assistance. She will also oversee the CHN Independent Living Club (see article on previous page.) Linda will be a valuable asset to CHN and is looking forward to assisting people with their housing needs. On a personal note, Linda finds satisfaction after work by going to the gym and by enjoying music with her husband and nine year old son.
We Couldn’t Do Without Her - Office Manager, Karla Chambers
Many of you know her by now. Hers is most likely the calm voice on the other end of the line when you call CHN. As Office Manager, Karla Chambers has been a valued member of our CHN staff since January, 2003. However, we have never formally introduced our second newest staff member. Karla came to CHN from the accounting firm of Perrin, Fordree & Co., P.C. with solid experience in accounting and office procedures. We liked her the first time we met her. Karla holds an Associate’s Degree from Schoolcraft College in accounting and uses her skills and business acumen to keep the CHN cogs well-oiled and operations running smoothly. Always ready to lend a hand, no matter what the situation might involve, Karla is responsible for accounting/bookkeeping work, acting as the CHN receptionist, and ensuring that the office runs efficiently. When not at work, Karla enjoys cooking (she also has an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts), reading, gardening, and spending quality time with her family.
As 2003 comes to a close, it is a good time to think about how we might want to share during this “Season of Giving.” A unique gift to the person who has everything, or a distinctive way of honoring a loved one might be through a contribution to Community Housing Network, Inc. Simply mention the name or names of the people you wish to honor and, if you like, something about them that makes them special to you. Include your remembrance with your donation in the enclosed envelope. If you wish, we also will notify that special person or persons of your donation in their name with a certificate commemorating your thoughtfulness. Finally, we will produce a special section of honorees in the next edition of this newsletter. Remember, your contribution is tax deductible and your generosity ensures the continuation of housing programs and services to individuals with disabilities in Oakland County. Your gift, regardless of the amount, will be appreciated. For further information, please call our toll-free number at 1-866-282-3119 or 248-928-0111.