Request from Mark Hepper

Congregational Partnership Program (CPP)

An average of 600 individuals and families become homeless each month in Kent County. This is one of the most emotionally devastating events that can happen to a human being.

CPP is a faith based initiative to assist in ending homelessness. This means moving people from shelters to their own housing, making shelters a short term solution not long term as is the case currently in many situations. CPP asks for a $3500.00 donation (or best effort), two volunteers, and overall commitment from members of participating churchs. The money provides housing assistance. The client is expected to support themselves after the conclusion of the six month program.

Partnering a homeless client with a volunteer has a much higher success rate than just monetary support. The type of assistance received from the volunteer includes :

-Peer support (i.e. providing a listening ear and resource sharing)
-Transportation (i.e. doctor’s appointments, getting groceries, other appointments)
-Employment assistance (i.e. completing job applications, interviewing techniques, resume development)
-Education (i.e. help children with homework and reading to small children). GED assistance
-Household activities (i.e. home organization, time management, assisting with furniture/appliance needs)
-Having fun! Celebrating life events; holidays, birthdays, employment anniversaries.
-Other support requested by client

I (Mark Hepper) have already volunteered for the program and I am working with a young lady with four young children. I am requesting financial assistance from our meeting in the form of fund raising, special offerings, and any other ideas to raise money. I also ask for volunteers to occasionally help with some of the above listed areas for assistance.