 |  |  | June 2020 | Opening Your Eyes
 Homelessness is one of many current issues that we may not really see, until we learn more about it. I think one of the best ways to learn is to listen to the stories.
Alysa* and her two young children moved to Water Street this winter after some personal and financial crises, including the diagnosis of a serious medical condition. Alysa is ready to leave the shelter. She is working full time, and her children are in daycare. But right now, Alysa makes only $13 an hour, not enough for a family of three to live on. Luckily, she found Bridge of Hope, and was matched with a wonderful group of Neighboring Volunteers. With a lot of phone calls and connections through this wonderful "neighboring network," we found an apartment and landlord who is interested in partnering with Bridge of Hope. Alysa and her children are moving into their own home this week!
Opening My Eyes is not only knowing about an issue, but the awareness of perceptions that we may have. I have learned that Alysa is a very hard worker, dedicated and focused. She walks her children to daycare, and then turns and walks a mile to work, every day; morning and afternoon. She is dealing with a lot of challenges, and she is persevering. Learn more about Opening My Eyes through Neighboring, and let's listen to the stories together.
Blessings and Peace,
Audrey |  | HOUSING FIRST ENDS HOMELESSNESS.
Every family deserves a place to call home. Most families in Bridge of Hope move into market rate housing. But finding housing that is priced to be sustainable and safe, and a landlord willing to work with a family who has been struggling financially can be difficult. Bridge of Hope works closely with the landlord and family, and provides rental assistance on a case by case basis, often for more than 12 months, to provide time for job training and to rebuild credit. We are collecting a list of potential landlords to partner with Bridge of Hope in the future, and we welcome hearing from you.
|  | How you can Neighbor right now -- Gift cards to Weis and Giant for the families in the program would help with rising food costs.
- Pray for the families and the Neighboring Volunteers – for health and connection.
- The Coronavirus Relief Fund provides additional support for Bridge of Hope families who have been impacted by job loss, or reduced income. To learn more CLICK HERE.
PLEASE NOTE: The Bridge of Hope Gala will be held on August 27, as an interactive and online event. Join us! Learn more HERE.
Follow Bridge of Hope Lancaster on FaceBook! We post local news and stories.You can reach me by email at AudreyM@bridgeofhopeinc.org, send gift cards to P.O. Box 304, Exton PA 19341 or make a donation below to support families facing homelessness today. | | | | text! |  |
| | | Physical Address: 255 Butler Avenue, #205, Lancaster PA Administrative/Mailing Address: P.O. Box 304, Exton, PA 19341 lancaster.bridgeofhopeinc.org | 717.207.8932 | | |
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