The start of Hope for Housing

08 May 2003

by: Loretta Gaines-Bryson

On May 8^th, 2003, a group of community workers from Camp and Titus counties met together to discuss needs in the community that we serve.  We all seemed to agree that the focus should be on the homeless.  The State of Texas gave us their definition of homeless which is as follows:

1. An individual who lacked a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
2. Economic hardship, lack of basic utilities, food, and clothing essentials.

Our first mission statement was to focus on getting our 501 C3 Non Profit status, which we successfully completed on January 21, 2004.

We firmly believe the scriptures of Matthew 25: verses 35-40, which we use as our guidelines of assisting families and those in need within our community.

Some goals that we have completed to date are:

• A Community Garden in 2004 which feeds over 90 families throughout the summer;
• A Clothing Closet assisting over 1725 families and those whose homes have burned and lost most of their belongings;
• A Food Pantry which serves over 1402 families;
• An after school program at the Scouts Learning Center, Pittsburg to care for children whose parents work until 6pm;
• A Summer Kids’ Camp at the Scouts Learning Center as well Mon.- Fri. to give kids ages 4-12 a place to stay and learn many exciting things;
• A Back Pack program, which helps to feed economically, challenged students throughout the weekends.

All of our helpers are volunteers with most of the helpers coming from those we assist.  They spend time stocking shelves in the Food Pantry or sorting and hanging clothes in the clothing closet.  The families that visit us are not looking for handouts, just a helping hand in time of need.

For housing needs, our objective is to assist youths of ages 16-18 that are trying to graduate, work part-time and living wherever they can find a place to stay. They have no parent to care for them and fall through the government cracks of Child Protective Services since they are classified as an adult.  Our desire is for a building where we could house them while they have a chance to graduate or complete their education and share God’s love with them.

We are looking for civic and religious organizations or individuals to adopt our nonprofit organization, which we called, Hope for Housing.  100 percent of all donations go directly to assist our areas’ homeless and underprivileged.  We need and greatly appreciate more community support in our efforts.  We are seeking:

• Financial donations in either monthly or a one time basis;
• Volunteers to assist with future fundraising projects;
• Prayer warriors to pray with us as we do the Lord’s work in helping others.

Thank you for considering Hope for Housing as a mission for your community service.  Please consider signing up as a pledge donor and make a difference in our community and receive a tax credit.  Perhaps you would consider volunteering in any of our worthy projects: the Food Pantry, Clothes Closet, Back Pack program, popcorn sales, or our newest mission in helping to cook meals or merely patronize the Hope for Housing Café on Hwy 271 S leaving Pittsburg?  Breakfast and lunch is served by donation only.

If you have further questions regarding Hope for Housing and our mission, please feel free to contact:

Loretta Gaines-Bryson, President

Hope for Housing

22 PR 54607

Pittsburg, TX  75686

Phone:  903-855-4567

Fax:      903-855-0339