"Give Them Roots and Create Wings"

EPH E-news - August 2020

Karla's Story

Karla has inspired us here at EPH and holds a special place in our hearts. Karla and her four children entered the EPH transitional housing program from an area shelter, which they had been in due to domestic abuse. Karla worked diligently in that program and met her goals quickly. She was accepted into our Long-term Supportive Housing program this spring in which she pays rent and utilities relative to her income, with the amount increasing as her situation continues to improve.   Karla takes pride in raising her children and having a stable job. Her dream is to purchase the EPH home she lives in where her “kids can grow and have a stable place to live.”  Karla’s story is also an example of the gift of EPH volunteers. Deacon Dale Hutjens of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church (an EPH partnership congregation) is part of our gardening mentorship team and worked with Karla, teaching her skills while she developed a love of gardening. See the above video for the results of some of their work! Karla says, “I’m just so blessed…” And, we are blessed by you. CLICK ON KARLA'S IMAGE TO VIEW VIDEO

Congratulations Jan Hess Duane Howell Service Award recipient Normally, we announce the winner of the Duane Howell Service Award at our annual Celebration Dinner in May. Due to restrictions on large gatherings, we were unable to hold the Celebration Dinner. The award was instead presented by a group of volunteer peers. Jan Hess, Unit Coordinator from St. Bernard Catholic Church, was the award recipient. There were many paragraphs of kind words and specific examples of her dedication, leadership and EPH values written in the nominations. Some examples include: “Jan quietly goes about her tasks, always in a spirit of service, with care and respect for the families in need. She is able to get a good group of volunteers to help her; a result of her actively promoting EPH at her church. Many don’t know about all the extra ways Jan helps support EPH; in particular, the many times she has stepped up to help out at units not assigned to St. Bernard”. “Jan is an inspiration to the volunteers she calls upon to assist her and they respond to ‘her leadership by example.'”  The families with children we serve are truly blessed. Congratulations and thank you for your many years of service, Jan!!

Please Welcome Lee Werner – Prevention Case Manager

EPH Board of Directors approved hiring of a second part-time eviction Prevention Case Manager in May due to the increase in need as a result of the Coronavirus environment. Lee Werner was a resident of Milwaukee until several years ago. During his time there, he completed his Associates Degree in Human Services. He worked at a social service resource and crisis hotline. It was there he started working with individuals and families experiencing homelessness. He then worked as a PATH/Street Outreach worker, connecting and building relationships with individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness. After six years, he moved to Green Bay to be with his now wife of three years and young stepson. He then worked as a House Supervisor at Freedom House for two years while finishing his Bachelor’s in Social Work at UW-Green Bay. He is working on obtaining his Masters in Social Work and is expected to graduate May 2021. He has experience with crisis intervention, trauma informed care, cultural humility, and motivational interviewing. Lee is passionate about taking a strengths-based, trauma informed care, and person first approach when working with individuals and families. When he is not studying or working, he enjoys playing Pokemon Go with his wife and stepson, going to concerts, and walking along the Riverwalk. He loves animals, particularly his two cats Ninja and Spooky.

Please consider making a donation to Ecumenical Partnership for Housing.  Any amount is appreciated.

Covid-19 Impact Many friends of EPH have asked, how can I help during this time? We have found our Eviction Prevention services have been the most impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. July saw the highest number of new family intakes, highest number of case management hours and the largest dollar amount of assistance given since the inception of the program. The number of new family intakes increased by 40 families from first quarter to second quarter 2020. Families have been and continue to be directly impacted by job loss, children learning virtually, lack of affordable and available childcare, as well as other effects of the pandemic.  EPH differs from some agencies in that it does not simply assist with rental payments but offers case management, ensuring that a greater number of families become/remain stable and self-sufficient—which is the goal of EPH. We walk with these families over several months and develop relationships with them and a plan. We work jointly with their landlords. We offer more than financial assistance.

Wish List TWIN SHEET SETS and TWIN MATTRESS PADS. (new or gently used: no holes, stains or stretched elastic please) Liquid Laundry Detergent First Aid Kits Kitchen Trash Bags. 13-gallon size. Packages of 20-25 count. (Please, no boxes with large quantities.)

Please contact Wendy at our EPH office: 920-676-3779 or [email protected] To schedule a drop off time or to volunteer.

Ecumenical Partnership for Housing  is a 501(c3) organization, dedicated to finding permanent solutions for families experiencing homelessness in Green Bay.