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You can feed 15 women/children a day at our shelter by texting HOMELESS to the number 85944 and making a $10 gift. *Messaging and data rates may apply. |
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The Impact of the Recession on Children
 Has there been any time in the past twelve months where you have not had enough money to buy the food your family needs? According to a report out this month, more families are answering yes to that question. In fact, the Food Research and Action Center found 28.9 percent of families in Kentucky have recently faced what it calls a food hardship. That is a higher rate than 41 other states.
The worst recession in decades is hitting our children hard. According to the Children's Defense Fund, the number of homeless school-aged children increased 41 percent between 2006 and 2008. The same study found homeless children are more likely than their peers to get sick, suffer from mental illness or have to repeat a grade. Education is the most significant factor in stopping the cycle of poverty. Locally, 12 percent of students in the Covington Independent School district are homeless.
Welcome House recently distributed 400 backpacks, most filled with school supplies, to help local children begin the new school year with much needed items. We would like to thank Huntington Bank, Matthew 25 Ministries and Urban Active in Bellevue for collecting the backpacks and supplies. You can also help by donating to Welcome House. Monetary donations can be made online. You can also drop off or mail donations to 205 W. Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011. |
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Donation Needs
Help keep the Welcome House Resource Pantry stocked this fall. The pantry helps our clients obtain items that are not covered by food stamps; these items can add up quickly when you are dealing with a fixed or limited income. Cleaning supplies, paper products and diapers are among the items clients need most.
You can donate supplies any time of year at the main building at 205 West Pike Street in Covington. The building is open to the public from 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also drop off much needed items near where you live. Guardian Savings Bank, Union Savings Bank, and Urban Active in Bellevue have bins to collect items for Welcome House. The bank locations include Florence, Fort Thomas, Bridgetown and Hyde Park. Any donation is greatly appreciated. |
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W.H.O. Presents: Flappers and Fedoras
We would like to thank everyone who attended the Welcome House Outreach event, Flappers and Fedoras, on August 12th. More than 300 guests helped raise over $50,000 for Welcome House service areas; including case management, employment/benefits and housing.
The event, emceed by Local 12 News Anchor John Lomax, included great live music from the 20's and 30's, a variety of foods served from nine local restaurants, a silent auction, live auction, a photo booth, and much more. Auctioneer Marty Kamer auctioned off packages ranging from autographed Reds memorabilia to a once-in-a-lifetime Indy Car ride along experience.
We extend a huge "THANK YOU" to the members of the Welcome House Outreach, guests, and everyone who participated in the event! |
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Volunteers Spotlight: Ada Garrett
Like many non-profit agencies, the volunteers at Welcome House are crucial to its success. Ada Garrett is one of the many volunteers making an impact at Welcome House. This month Ada celebrates her four year anniversary with us. Ada currently spends her time in the Development Department on Wednesday afternoons, but she has worked in other areas in the past.
Ada came to Welcome House after a couple of friends mentioned the organization to her. She originally thought her volunteer work would help her keep up on her office skills but says the most rewarding part of what she does is helping other people. She regularly donates items to the Resource Pantry. Ada earned the nickname "The Vegetable Lady" for all the produce she would bring into the building. She's continued donating to the pantry since it switched to offer items not covered by food stamps, including cleaning supplies and hygiene items.
Ada is always spreading the word about the good things Welcome House does and how it helps the local community. She says, "It's a crime for kids to go to bed hungry... Welcome House's services help people right here where we live."
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After spending several months in Shelter, Kim recently moved into an assisted living residence. Kim was first put in touch with a case manager at Welcome House after she lost custody of her daughters. The state placed the children with Kim's parents. It ruled that because of a mental illness, Kim was unable to parent. A condition of the custody agreement also required Kim to move out of her parents' home, which left her homeless.
Kim worked hard to find a full-time job but was unsuccessful. Because of Kim's diminished mental capacity, she was referred to the Welcome House's Social Security Outreach Program. The program helps people with mental and physical disabilities apply for social security disability benefits. Kim qualified. The benefits provide her with enough income ($674/month)to pay rent and meet her basic needs. Without the money, Kim would continue to be homeless. Kim also secured a medical card that makes it possible for her to receive treatment for her mental illness.
Kim regularly updates her case manager. She says, "I know you worry about me, but I just want to make sure you know I am doing okay." |
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