Stratford House of Blessing - Newsletter July 2003

The Stratford House of Blessing first opened in 1983 through the hard work and dedication of founders Florence and Norman Kehl. This was in response to many of the needy in the Stratford community visiting Florence at her home looking for assistance with food, shelter, clothing and at times a listening ear. What started out as lending a helping hand to a few people, contributed to the reputation of compassion for the less fortunate. The demand for assistance grew bigger than the Kehl's personal resources so they took out a second mortgage on their home to purchase a small house at 182 Wellington Street.

As the House of Blessing continued to offer its services to the less fortunate within Stratford and the surrounding community, the need became so great that the small house felt as though it was shrinking! The House of Blessings was bursting at the seams and a new, larger facility was needed. A relocation campaign was launched and in 2002, the House of Blessing moved to 423 Erie Street just 3 blocks away from the original location. With the financial assistance of individuals, capital grant funding from the City of Stratford and generous donors, renovations including a walk-in cooler and freezer were completed on the building. The new facility is equal to ten times the size of the original House of Blessing and is able to meet the needs of the community as well as provide much needed life skill programs.

In 2010, the House of Blessing was able to provide 4759 people with food, distribute 23,785 items of clothing, 783 items of furniture, provided Christmas gifts for 446 children, teens and adults, and 67 school backpack kits. In addition, House of Blessing is able to give excess clothing to organizations that send it to 24 underdeveloped countries. In total, we gave away goods valued at $533,128 all through the generosity of a caring community. Without our current dedicated volunteers numbering 388 providing 11,957 hours, this would not be possible. The House of Blessing is a beacon of hope and a safe place of comfort and practical help for those in need: socially, spiritually, physically and economically. To accomplish this, House of Blessing also works with several community agencies.

Today, House of Blessing is pleased to announce that our facility at 423 Erie Street is now mortgage free through the generosity of the community and individual donors. A sincere thank you is extended to all who assisted us with fulfilling the dream of our founders, Florence and Norman Kehl. A mortgage burning ceremony will be held at our Annual General Meeting on Aprul 19th at House of Blessing at 4:30 pm.

The House of Blessing remains steadfast in our goal and mission fulfilling God's mandate; serving those who are hurting and in need. "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat..." Matthew 25:35.

Once again, House of Blessing is overwhelmed by our bighearted, generous and supportive community that helps us meet the growing needs of today's society. Thank you for your continued support.

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think.

WHO COMES TO THE HOUSE OF BLESSING?

There are a number of reasons why people come to the House of Blessing. They may be teens who are not able to live at home due to conflict or abuse, or young women who are pregnant. Usually they have no income or are on Social Assistance of which most might go for rent and very little is left over for food or clothing.

Then there are single moms or dads who are not working as they may be limited in education and any work they may be able to do, does not pay enough to cover child care expenses or transportation as well as their regular expenses. Quite often, they also receive no support from the other parent.

When couples split up, there is also quite often no income for one of the partners for some time until they can apply for Social Assistance, support, etc. so they need to use the food bank or clothing store. If it was an abusive relationship and the person uses the services of a shelter, when they are able to leave and be on their own, they have need of furniture, clothing, food, household goods etc. which we try to accommodate as best we can.

There are also men and women who have been laid off from their jobs or have been let go from Temporary agency positions which on the average last about three months. Employment Insurance is about 55% of wages earned and with a number of factory closings, we have seen an increase of recently unemployed people.

A number of our clients are unable to work due to physical or mental conditions. They are generally on ODSP or CPP Disability funding. Even though these pay more, it is still difficult to manage on this as rent in Stratford tends to be high and rent-geared-to-income have long waiting lists.

We also have the working poor who try very hard to make do with what they earn but circumstances such as an unexpected expense, moving expenses, medical emergencies etc. leave them with little or no income for food or clothing.

Seniors, though a smaller number of our clientele, may need to use the services of the House of Blessing if their old age pension, widow's pension or CPP is not enough to meet their needs.

*****************************************************

HOW DO THEY GET HERE?

A large number of our clients walk to the House of Blessing. Some also come by bus if they can afford a bus pass. Others will come with friends or case workers who will drive them when needed. Young mothers pushing strollers have a hard time in the winter as there are no sidewalks on our side and they have to cross four lanes on a very busy street. The bus also does not stop here so our clients have to carry all their bags to the Jenny Trout Centre or Chestnut Street. We may also give a bus ticket or cab ticket when available to those who are unable to manage their bags.

WHAT DO THEY RECEIVE HERE

The majority of our clients come for food or clothing. We also supply household goods such as linens, dishes, curtains, pots and pans, cutlery, etc. When needed, we also give furniture and appliances to set up new homes or replace worn out items.

They also receive emotional, physical and spiritual support. Some come just to say hi and receive the only hug they will get that week. As agencies and clients in the city and county say, "We don't know what we would do if you weren't there".

We will not be remembered by our words, but by kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by moments that take our breaths.

Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles

A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself

An unwxpected phone call from an old friend

Green stoplights on your way to work

The fastest line in the grocery store

A good sing-along song on the radio

Your keys found right where you left them

April 2011
A Message from Theresa's Desk House of Blessing - Mortgage Free The Stratford House of Blessing first opened in 1983 through the hard work and dedication of founders Florence and Norman Kehl. This was in response to many of the needy in the Stratford community visiting Florence at her home looking for assistance with food, shelter, clothing and at times a listening ear. What started out as lending a helping hand to a few people, contributed to the reputation of compassion for the less fortunate. The demand for assistance grew bigger than the Kehl's personal resources so they took out a second mortgage on their home to purchase a small house at 182 Wellington Street. As the House of Blessing continued to offer its services to the less fortunate within Stratford and the surrounding community, the need became so great that the small house felt as though it was shrinking! The House of Blessings was bursting at the seams and a new, larger facility was needed. A relocation campaign was launched and in 2002, the House of Blessing moved to 423 Erie Street just 3 blocks away from the original location. With the financial assistance of individuals, capital grant funding from the City of Stratford and generous donors, renovations including a walk-in cooler and freezer were completed on the building. The new facility is equal to ten times the size of the original House of Blessing and is able to meet the needs of the community as well as provide much needed life skill programs. In 2010, the House of Blessing was able to provide 4759 people with food, distribute 23,785 items of clothing, 783 items of furniture, provided Christmas gifts for 446 children, teens and adults, and 67 school backpack kits. In addition, House of Blessing is able to give excess clothing to organizations that send it to 24 underdeveloped countries. In total, we gave away goods valued at $533,128 all through the generosity of a caring community. Without our current dedicated volunteers numbering 388 providing 11,957 hours, this would not be possible. The House of Blessing is a beacon of hope and a safe place of comfort and practical help for those in need: socially, spiritually, physically and economically. To accomplish this, House of Blessing also works with several community agencies. Today, House of Blessing is pleased to announce that our facility at 423 Erie Street is now mortgage free through the generosity of the community and individual donors. A sincere thank you is extended to all who assisted us with fulfilling the dream of our founders, Florence and Norman Kehl. A mortgage burning ceremony will be held at our Annual General Meeting on Aprul 19th at House of Blessing at 4:30 pm. The House of Blessing remains steadfast in our goal and mission fulfilling God's mandate; serving those who are hurting and in need. "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat..." Matthew 25:35. Once again, House of Blessing is overwhelmed by our bighearted, generous and supportive community that helps us meet the growing needs of today's society. Thank you for your continued support. For more information please contact: Theresa McMurray, Executive Director Email: director@shob.org Phone: 519-273-3433 "Some Interesting Quotes" Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging The most important things in your home are the people Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think. ******************************************* WHO COMES TO THE HOUSE OF BLESSING? There are a number of reasons why people come to the House of Blessing. They may be teens who are not able to live at home due to conflict or abuse, or young women who are pregnant. Usually they have no income or are on Social Assistance of which most might go for rent and very little is left over for food or clothing. Then there are single moms or dads who are not working as they may be limited in education and any work they may be able to do, does not pay enough to cover child care expenses or transportation as well as their regular expenses. Quite often, they also receive no support from the other parent. When couples split up, there is also quite often no income for one of the partners for some time until they can apply for Social Assistance, support, etc. so they need to use the food bank or clothing store. If it was an abusive relationship and the person uses the services of a shelter, when they are able to leave and be on their own, they have need of furniture, clothing, food, household goods etc. which we try to accommodate as best we can. There are also men and women who have been laid off from their jobs or have been let go from Temporary agency positions which on the average last about three months. Employment Insurance is about 55% of wages earned and with a number of factory closings, we have seen an increase of recently unemployed people. A number of our clients are unable to work due to physical or mental conditions. They are generally on ODSP or CPP Disability funding. Even though these pay more, it is still difficult to manage on this as rent in Stratford tends to be high and rent-geared-to-income have long waiting lists. We also have the working poor who try very hard to make do with what they earn but circumstances such as an unexpected expense, moving expenses, medical emergencies etc. leave them with little or no income for food or clothing. Seniors, though a smaller number of our clientele, may need to use the services of the House of Blessing if their old age pension, widow's pension or CPP is not enough to meet their needs. ************************************************* HOW DO THEY GET HERE? A large number of our clients walk to the House of Blessing. Some also come by bus if they can afford a bus pass. Others will come with friends or case workers who will drive them when needed. Young mothers pushing strollers have a hard time in the winter as there are no sidewalks on our side and they have to cross four lanes on a very busy street. The bus also does not stop here so our clients have to carry all their bags to the Jenny Trout Centre or Chestnut Street. We may also give a bus ticket or cab ticket when available to those who are unable to manage their bags. WHAT DO THEY RECEIVE HERE The majority of our clients come for food or clothing. We also supply household goods such as linens, dishes, curtains, pots and pans, cutlery, etc. When needed, we also give furniture and appliances to set up new homes or replace worn out items. They also receive emotional, physical and spiritual support. Some come just to say hi and receive the only hug they will get that week. As agencies and clients in the city and county say, "We don't know what we would do if you weren't there". We will not be remembered by our words, but by kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by moments that take our breaths. Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself An unwxpected phone call from an old friend Green stoplights on your way to work The fastest line in the grocery store A good sing-along song on the radio Your keys found right where you left them ********************************************* Messages from Our Clients You have touched our family in more ways than you can imagine A big thank you for helping our family get back on our feet. It really meant a lot to have help from such nice people. God bless Thank you for the gifts for my baby. It was much appreciated. Thanks for putting a smile on my children's faces for the first day of school. Thanks for making them feel like normal kids. Thanks a bunch, I start my new job on Monday. The only reason I made it this far, is because of you. From the support for me, emotional, spiritual, practical and to the sports for the kids and the BRAND new outfit I got there and wore to my interview feeling like a million bucks, which is probably why I got the job. I now have full benefits.