Resilience. The resounding theme of 2020, as we battled a global pandemic, were awakened to inequities experienced by Black and Brown communities, prepared our kids for
a non-traditional back-to-school season, and endured a divisive election process.
For many, like the families who come to live at People’s Emergency Center (PEC), their resilience is beyond measure-- facing the same challenges we all have, except without a place to call home, without the nourishment of full bellies, without access to technology for their children to learn, and without a living wage or the means to get an education. They came to PEC for better opportunities, and sheltered-in-place, alongside families and children they didn’t know. They kept their few belongings in a locker, or under their beds. They wore masks inside this temporary home - to the shelter café, to the restroom, and to meet with staff, to protect each other. For 90 days they did not leave unless they worked in healthcare or another essential industry. They also did not give up hope.
a non-traditional back-to-school season, and endured a divisive election process.
For many, like the families who come to live at People’s Emergency Center (PEC), their resilience is beyond measure-- facing the same challenges we all have, except without a place to call home, without the nourishment of full bellies, without access to technology for their children to learn, and without a living wage or the means to get an education. They came to PEC for better opportunities, and sheltered-in-place, alongside families and children they didn’t know. They kept their few belongings in a locker, or under their beds. They wore masks inside this temporary home - to the shelter café, to the restroom, and to meet with staff, to protect each other. For 90 days they did not leave unless they worked in healthcare or another essential industry. They also did not give up hope.
Many like Sandra, were determined to use this time to work with the shelter staff to identify personal plans for success:
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Sandra (name changed for privacy) and her three school-aged children moved into our emergency shelter in March, a week before quarantine was enforced. Working with PEC’s Career Developer, she applied to a local distribution center for work and was hired. PEC staff helped Sandra purchase a work uniform and gloves to get her started. After securing childcare and transportation, Sandra focused on a housing search. Keeping an open mind to all the possible places to build a life for her family, she applied for a housing voucher in another state— and was approved! Our career developer is helping Sandra position herself for advancement opportunities. Sandra keeps a positive attitude no matter the obstacle that she is facing in the shelter, with her children, or at work. Sandra is hopeful, driven, and resilient. She is grateful to know that her children are living in a safe place and well cared for when she is working. Her most fervent wish right now is
to find permanent housing before New Year’s. |
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will help a family of three stay in Emergency Shelter for one month, where they will access supports to build resilience and cope with trauma and learn life and job skills to become independent and thrive.
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will provide one-week of after school or day care
for a family living in shelter. |
will provide personalized financial planning, job skills assistance and opportunity connections.
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will help enroll a resident in a GED-completion course, or vocational or degree-earning program.
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will provide a 5-day supply of groceries to families in need.
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will provide families with personal hygiene and necessities such as clothing, diapers and formula.
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At PEC, we are determined to ensure “Hope” rings true as the theme for 2021 for the 25,000 families and youth we serve. It is our vision that every
family currently living in shelter and in our surrounding communities, gains the life and career skills necessary to achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals. We envision youth engaged in school and on a path to a successful future. We envision them with safe, secure homes to call their own, and with supports to thrive. We hope to support many more families like Sandra’s on their journey toward housing stability, better health, and financial security.
family currently living in shelter and in our surrounding communities, gains the life and career skills necessary to achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals. We envision youth engaged in school and on a path to a successful future. We envision them with safe, secure homes to call their own, and with supports to thrive. We hope to support many more families like Sandra’s on their journey toward housing stability, better health, and financial security.
Let’s ring in a new year of “Hope” together. Please consider making a gift this holiday season. Help us ensure that thousands more families in need receive the supports necessary to thrive. Thank you.
Happy Holidays,
Happy Holidays,
Kathy Desmond
President
President