Anawim Housing
Monthly E-Newsletter | March 2021

THE NELSON FOUNDATION DONATES $50,000 TO ANAWIM HOUSING
TO SUPPORT THE SISTER STELLA RENTAL RELIEF FUND
Anawim Housing is honored to announce that The Nelson Foundation, a philanthropic organization of the Nelson family, who privately own and operate Kemin Industries, has generously donated $50,000 in support of our mission through the Sister Stella Rental Relief Fund. The Fund supports Anawim Housing tenants living in affordable housing and is used to provide rental assistance in times of an emergency for those in need of supportive services.

Mary Kathrine Nelson, third-generation family member and current Chair of The Nelson Foundation stated, “After the pandemic exposed inequities and created challenges for many, the Foundation knew it could play a role to assist with basic needs like housing during an incredibly difficult time. We're grateful that organizations like Anawim Housing are dedicated to ensuring safe and secure housing within our community." Anawim Housing is pleased to partner with The Nelson Foundation in supporting housing stability.

Read the full press release by clicking READ MORE


MEET LEONA
ANAWIM HOUSING BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Leona first came to Anawim Housing four years ago after being referred to our permanent supportive housing programs.

In 2020, she joined the Anawim Housing Board of Directors and looks forward to providing her valued input and voice for those who live in Anawim Housing or who are in need of our services in the community. She first expressed interest in joining the board out of the gratitude she has for our program and views it as a way she can give back.

Leona recently moved into a new Anawim Housing apartment at Baker Creek Senior Living. What she loves most about her new place is that it has no stairs and everything is very accessible, making home a more comfortable place for her.

At Anawim Housing, we recognize the tremendous support of our board members. View our Board of Directors by clicking READ MORE

Leona, Anawim Housing Board Member and program participant

EMPLOYEE FAMILY RESOURCES OFFERS PROGRAMING FOR ANAWIM TENANTS
Anawim Housing's Full Circle peer support group was put on hold due to COVID-19, but our team has continued to find creative and supportive solutions to engage with our program tenants. This has led us to a great new partnership with Employee and Family Resources in Des Moines.

In lieu of Full Circle, Employee and Family Resources has graciously been offering free classes at the Anawim Housing office on Friday afternoons, where they lead discussion on different topics such as relationships, decision making and handling difficult emotions. These classes are currently kept very small, 3-4 people in attendance with social distancing and masks in place.

On the horizon, we look forward to the revival of Full Circle, continuing our partnership with EFR, and one day beginning to host larger program groups.
Learn more about Full Circle by clicking READ MORE.


SHARING OUR VISION WITH THE COMMUNITY
Anawim Housing is passionate about affordable housing and working together to end homelessness. We have skilled staff who are available to speak virtually or in-person with your business, place of worship, neighborhood association or community group - offering presentations, sermons and educational opportunities.

Some of our current community engagements:

  • Cynthia Latcham, Executive Director, will be speaking on Permanent Supportive Housing as part of a monthly webinar series hosted by Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the Iowa Department of Human Services on April 22. Click HERE to learn more

  • Cynthia Latcham will be guest speaking with students of Drake University for a "Homelessness in America" class this Spring

  • Jeremy Orcutt, Director of Programs and Services, shared about our programs with the Norwalk Rotary Club

We would love to speak at your next event! Please contact us to learn more about partnering with Anawim Housing

Cynthia Latcham appearing on the Iowa Live morning show via Zoom to share about Anawim Housing and our end of year giving campaign in 2020

PROPERTY MANAGERS LEND A HELPING HAND
Our feel-good story of the day comes from Allterra Property Solutions! The Animal Rescue League Animal Services division shared a story last week featuring two of our property managers, Breanna and Alyssa. They located a lost dog running loose near some of our properties. They befriended the dog and helped bring him to the ARL Animal Services to check for a microchip. The dog did have a chip, and they were immediately able to call his owner Monica who was not at home at the time and didn't know that her dog Jake had accidentally gotten out of the house and gone missing. She was very thankful that Breanna and Alyssa had brought him to the ARL so quickly. Monica was able to pick up Jake right away and now he's back home and safe with his family who loves him!

Two paws up for Breanna and Alyssa - great work Allterra team!

Photo courtesy of the ARL. Property Managers Alyssa and Breanna pose for a photo after a happy reunion with Jake and his owner Monica

WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A HEALTHIER 2021
Our office is open but still available by appointment only, with masks required. We have returned to regular business hours and have enjoyed seeing more faces in our office on a regular basis. Our team is busy as ever with move-ins, referrals, and providing maintenance requests. One of our property manager's created these awesome masks for our team and we were able to hand them out at our most recent, and first in-person, staff meeting since spring of 2020.

Anawim Housing and Allterra Property Solutions are continuing to do our part to keep our organization, those we serve, and our community as a whole healthy and safe in 2021.

Our first Anawim Housing in-person staff meeting since Spring 2020 and our new team masks
Anawim Housing develops stable homes and strengthens communities