November 12, 2018

HomeStretch Newsletter Nov 2018

NOVEMBER 2018

This Month’s Happenings:

The Road to HomeStretch
BBQ with a Mission
To the MAX
150 Hours and 40 Knights
Pizza with a Purpose
Full Cart – Full Heart
HomeStretch in the Media
SAVE THE DATE
Thank you to our volunteers

The Road to HomeStretch

Often we’re asked: “How do families find HomeStretch?”

Good question!

One of the more common ways area families find us is through partner agency referrals. This month, we asked Andrea Brantley, Executive Director of Family Promise, to share an example of how this works. Below, she recalls a recent referral in her own words.

When I met Dawn, mom of four boys, I believe she was at her lowest point. As part of the Family Promise program, families relocate each week to a different local church, so Dawn and her sons moved each week. During this time, her youngest son was diagnosed with Autism, adding more stress to her situation. Moving weekly, parenting her sons, dealing with the autism diagnosis, looking for a job, and driving for Uber as much as she could was a heavy load.

Her part-time work meant she didn’t have a regular paycheck, but she would need full time employment for a program like HomeStretch. I counseled her on this and she worked diligently to find a job.

Then there was a good day! Shortly after her son was diagnosed, Dawn saw a job posting for a full-time position with the Marcus Autism Center. Dawn got the job! It was the light at the end of the tunnel and allowed her family to qualify for HomeStretch.

I referred Dawn to HomeStretch because each time I asked her to do something to improve her situation, she complied. She worked the Family Promise program to the best of her ability – never late, no excuses, no drama.

Dawn is raising boys who are helpful and supportive of their mom and together I hope they will find stability through the HomeStretch program.

Thank you Andrea and Family Promise, for the work you do and for being a valuable referral partner. We look forward to seeing Dawn and her boys thrive.

BBQ with a Mission

October 28 was a glorious day – blue skies and warm fall temperatures – the perfect setting for Roswell BBQ in the Burbs held on the beautiful lawn of Roswell City Hall. We had food, local craft beer and cocktails, kids’ activities, and great music from The Free. Hundreds joined us in celebrating the day and raising funds to support the HomeStretch mission. Thank you to our VIP sponsor, Choate Construction, as well as all sponsors, donors, committee members, and volunteers.

To the MAX:

In his first month, our newest team member, Facilities Director Max Myers, has made a big impact at HomeStretch. He brings a wealth of knowledge, a fantastic skill set, and a mission-over-me attitude. We look forward to the leadership Max will bring to our families, staff, volunteers, and properties going forward. Welcome to the HomeStretch team, Max!

150 Hours and 40 Knights

HomeStretch is thankful for our Board Member Gabe Orthous and the Knights of Columbus who served over 150 hours repairing sub-flooring and installing new flooring in our units. The new floors will be healthier for the families and easier to maintain for the staff. The Knights brought generosity of spirit and their much-appreciated donation toward the floors. To us, that makes these Knights true heroes!

Pizza with a Purpose

Thanks to California Pizza Kitchen at Northpoint Mall for hosting a FUNdraiser for HomeStretch on September 20th. CPK donated 20% of all purchases from people who mentioned HomeStretch to their server.

Staff members got the “dough ball” rolling by enjoying a quick lunch. We thank California Pizza Kitchen and all of our supporters who enjoyed lunch or dinner with pizza in their bellies and HomeStretch in their hearts.

Full Cart – Full Heart

Looking for a reason to shop? Now you can put your money where your heart is and shop to give! From now until December 31st, Boon Supply will donate 50% of every purchase made from the Full Cart – Full Heart Fundraiser. Boon Supply’s mission is to empower others to spread kindness and grow good in the world. To do so, they partner with non-profit organizations around the world to raise needed funding. Items available for purchase are affordable and beautifully crafted everyday essentials including totes, jewelry, kitchen tools, and organizational items, just to name a few. Plus, receive free shipping on orders over $75. Make your shopping count! FILL YOUR CART TODAY!

HomeStretch in the Media:

Affordable housing is in short supply in North Fulton and here at
HomeStretch, we have a plan to increase our real estate development capacity to help meet this need. Recently, HomeStretch Development Director, Joan O’Connell, spoke with North Atlanta’s BizLink to discuss our mission and
programs. BizLink’s Accelerator program is set to help expand the affordable housing pipeline, just what we need. Read the interview here to learn more. BizLink interview with HomeStretch