Hope Haven Gospel Mission Newsletters

Dr. Paul E. McLaughlin  -- Message for April

In my 20 years of working with the homeless, this is by far the worst I have ever seen in terms of the numbers of homeless families and the fact that the safety net is no longer there to catch them.

In years past, a family on welfare or earning minimum wage could afford a little apartment in a poor neighborhood. But now unfortunately the same family is getting a monthly welfare check of say $525.00 and some food stamps, but the monthly rent has escalated to almost $1,000.00 for the worst apartment in a bad neighborhood.

It's frustrating that so many well to do elite nonprofit organizations are getting multimillion-dollar gifts, while social-service agencies and charities working to provide direct services are getting so little.

For example: when I see $60-million donated to the cancer institute and $10-million to the arts museum, why can't they just give 10-15 percent of that to serve people experiencing unprecedented poverty and addiction?

To feed and house one homeless person at Hope Haven, it costs almost $45.00 a day! When you add this with a total of 30 people a day X 7 days a week, that equals almost $9,450.00. That is just for a week! That does not include those who come in for soup-kitchen to eat on a daily basis 365 days a year. And people get a little agitated, and wonder why we solicit them every month for a donation.

Another factor that adds to this dilemma is that even our supporters are experiencing difficult financial distress. This further adds to the problem and complicates the level of their giving.

Needless to say, what we are doing is very important and critical to the health and safety of the poor and needy, and the great cause of compassion that we are passionately engaged in: individually and collectively.

Just recently I spoke with a former resident who had stayed with us at Hope Haven a few years ago! He and his family are doing very well, as a matter of fact he is at the beginning stages of starting a ministry. He has a steady job, and even though he was on disability from back problems and drug related problems; God has delivered him from that bondage and physical distress. He and his family are very involved with his local church. He is so grateful for all the help we had given him and his family several years ago, when things were not at their best. We are so thankful we were able to be here for them when they needed our help.

It is always good to hear from former residents and clients we have had a positive effect on, especially when they themselves take the time to share their enthusiasm and successes with us.

We thank God that we are in a place of service that can impact peoples lives on a level of good fortune and gratitude for what God has established us to do.

Your support and prayers are needed and very much appreciated!

God bless you for taking the time to read this letter. It is my prayer that you will continue to be a part of the great work that Hope Haven is doing through your prayers and support. When you give it helps us to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, give hope to the addicted and afflicted 365 days a year.

Thank you for being a caring contributor to our ministry of compassion here at Hope Haven Gospel Mission.

Dr Paul E. McLaughlin
Executive Director