2008-11-26 - Local School helps the Formally Homeless

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Media Contact
Barbara Garrett
Community Relations Manager
248-928-0111
bgarrett@chninc.net

Local School helps the Formerly Homeless

Beverley Elementary adopts formerly homeless families in Community Housing Network's Holiday program

BEVERLY HILLS, MI - For many this year the holiday season is going to be a little brighter due to the generosity of the students at Beverly Elementary School in Beverly Hills, MI.  The school is participating in Community Housing Network's Annual Holiday Adopt a Family Program to help those in need. The Adopt a Family program asks for wish lists from the residents participating in many of Community Housing Network's programs.  Requests to donors are then sent out, in the hopes that each family will be adopted and that most of their wish list items are purchased for them and then delivered to their home in time for the holidays. "Most of the people we serve are formerly homeless individuals and families and have close to nothing when they come in our housing programs." says Marc Craig, President of Community Housing Network.

The generous community at Beverly School has adopted 5 families and has provided over $200.00 in donations to help all of the families in the program this holiday season. "I am so impressed with the out-pouring of support. We have collected over 100 items already" said Susan Savoy, the Adopt a Family Coordinator and parent of a student at the school. "This program really impacts the lives of the people CHN serves.  It helps them start a new life after being homeless" Sue continued.  One of the families being helped this year is a single mother with four young boys who became homeless when they had a house fire and lost every thing they owned.  When the principal: Jennifer Martella heard about this, she wanted to do more. Principal Martella sent out a request to the families of the school requesting gently used furniture and household items for this family and the response has been amazing.  We have collected over 50 needed household items and clothing to help this young mother and her sons." said Susan Savoy.

Community Housing Network (CHN), a nonprofit organization located in Troy and provides 370 families and individuals with rental assistance.  Many of them subsist on disability benefits or very limited incomes. Often, they can barely afford necessities such as groceries and cleaning supplies.  "To be a part of the process that moves a person or family with disabilities from homelessness to renting safe and affordable housing and making homes for themselves and their families is truly a rewarding experience." said Marc Craig, President of CHN. "We were overwhelmed by the generosity of metro area residents during last year's Adopt-A-Family program and even in these difficult economic times people are stepping up and asking how they can help." Marc Craig continued.

If you are interested in helping a formerly homeless family you can help by donating cash, gifts, gift cards and non-perishable food.  Your cash donation allows CHN staff to fill the gap for families that have special needs or require additional assistance.

Community Housing Network is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) agency and donations are tax deductible.  We are located in the Woodcrest Office Park, at 570 Kirts Blvd., Suite 231 in Troy.  You can help by contacting us at (248) 928-0111 or by emailing bgarrett@chninc.net.