Nineteen years ago in October 1990, St. Raymond's Homeless Family Fund was established as a parish project. It was the result of one RENEW group's efforts to make a positive change in the lives of others in our community who are less fortunate. The Fund's purpose is to assist families who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, accumulate enough money for their first and last months' rental deposit and security deposit. Fund monies are sometimes used to prevent eviction when a financial crisis arises and a family is unable to pay their rent. The Fund is not used to pay bills, including medical or utility.
The families are referred by local agencies who have interviewed them -- such as Youth and Family Enrichment Services, Clara-Mateo, St. Vincent de Paul and Shelter Network's Haven House, Family Crossroads, First Step for Families and Redwood Family House. To qualify, their case managers must feel the money will make a difference; that is, the family has the ability to maintain housing.
The Fund is supported solely by donations from parishioners and friends. It is not a part of the parish budget. The money goes into a local bank account and checks are written directly to the landlord or rental agency. There are no Fund expenses or bank fees. Every dollar donated is given away as a gift, not a loan; and the money is disbursed immediately as the need arises.
St. Raymond's Homeless Family Fund
This Fund is the only agency that has no waiting period. Most agencies have a process that is more complicated and takes longer. Many families do not get approved because of poor credit. The difference your Fund makes to these families is whether they get into permanent housing or not.
--Ashley Hartock, Shelter Network
This fiscal year (October 2008-2009) our Fund helped 45 families affecting 64 adults and 101 children. We gave $30,048.12 to assist these families with their rent. Your donations over 19 years have totaled over $499,208.00. Because of your kindness and generosity, our Fund has helped a total of 835 families affecting 1,144 adults and 3,263 children. These families are described as space permits in St. Raymond's bulletins on the second Sunday of each month and on the parish website under "Weekly Bulletins."
Sincere thanks for believing in our Parish Fund. Often agencies exhaust their resources and have nowhere else to turn for financial aid. They are most grateful for your support. You have made a world of difference in the lives of many. Donations to our Fund can be dropped in the collection basket or sent to the parish office, payable to St. Raymond's Homeless Family Fund.
Sincere thanks for believing in our Parish Fund. Often agencies exhaust their resources and have nowhere else to turn for financial aid. They are most grateful for your support. You have made a world of difference in the lives of many. Donations to our Fund can be dropped in the collection basket or sent to the parish office, payable to St. Raymond's Homeless Family Fund.