You know the story of the Good Samaritan; did you ever consider it was about you?

Jessica is huddled on a downtown bench, her head buried in her arms. Hiding from the people walking by, as much as protecting herself from the cold. Pregnant and fleeing an abusive relationship, she spent the night in a women’s shelter, where she heard about The Beacon, a homeless day center.

The next morning, she headed to The Beacon looking for help. Jessica shared her story with Maggie, a Beacon family support specialist, over a cup of coffee. Maggie began the process of helping Jessica link to critical services.

Thanks to you, The Beacon is where individuals and families come to find solutions to end their homelessness.

Your generosity helps people regain their dignity and helps them get back on their feet. Taking a shower, having a healthy meal, getting clean laundry, skills training, access to a computer to search for a job, housing and complete applications are all steps to self-sufficiency, confidence and independence.

Our most vulnerable neighbors need your help.

Jayden, Olivia and their children spend nights at a downtown shelter. Jayden works days, saving everything he can, so they can
afford an apartment. Childcare is expensive, so Olivia and the kids spend days in The Beacon’s family space.

Because of you, they are in a safe, warm and welcoming environment.

The Beacon welcomes guests who are homeless 365 days of the year.

This Christmas, think of the guests who will be at The Beacon. Because of you, they will feel like a family and, maybe for a while, won’t feel like they’re homeless. In the coming months they will have hope, get jobs, find housing, and improve their mental and physical health.

You are making an enormous difference in the lives of hundreds of people.

You give people who are homeless hope, support and the resources to restart their lives.

That’s what makes you a Good Samaritan!

Homelessness and hunger are heavy baggage for a fourth grader.

One night, Carly was awakened by a tap on the car window followed by her father’s voice, “When will this stop?”

The engine started.

As they drove, she was curled-up in her back seat “bed” pretending to sleep, but she was on the verge of tears. The next morning, Carly sat in her fourth-grade classroom, tired, irritable and hungry.

Her teacher, Mrs. Miller, started the day by telling the class there would be no food for snack time. Carly snapped. She screamed at Dillon, who forgot his turn to bring snacks.

Mrs. Miller let the school’s Catholic Charities counselor know about Carly’s struggles. Soon Carly, and a few of her classmates, were in a group to help them manage what they were living through. Carly learned she was not alone and developed skills to help her cope with her situation and be prepared for future challenges.

Your faith and belief in our mission is a significant reason we can help those who are at-risk.