A Cooperative Cummunity Project in Middletown, DE

Dear Friends,

I write as a volunteer with Family Help, Inc. For a number of years, concerned folks in Middletown, Delaware have had a dream of creating transitional housing for families in crisis—families with little kids, but no homes, no jobs, and, in some cases, not enough education or the skills to navigate a way forward.

That dream became a reality last summer. My friends Harvey Zendt, Irv Brockson, Dennis Christy, Jerry Gawel, The Rev. Joann Barker, Brenda Murray, Sam Tuttle, Willie Savage, Father Bob Snable, Lisa LaMarch, Dr. Zelda Carter and others created four family apartments. These tireless volunteers worked with the town, purchased property, rebuilt foundations, renovated, painted, landscaped, etc., etc., then interviewed homeless moms, inviting four families to pilot the program. It has been a very rewarding experience for everyone.

Since August, these families have been receiving food and clothing from generous community groups, financial counseling and job training from board volunteers, and personal counseling from two Middletown pastors. The families are asked to put a small sum of money each month into an account that will help them get started when they have jobs and are ready to move into their own apartments or houses. We are teaching each family to save, to provide for themselves, and to find their way to economic independence and spiritual growth.

Until then, however, help is needed to keep the project going. We need money to maintain the property and provide basic needs for the families. Our goal is to guide these humble folks to a road of self-sufficiency, and when one family leaves to take in the next struggling family.

Won't you please help?

These are hard times, but, together, we can provide hope for struggling families in this small town and point them in a positive direction—towards productive employment and a secure home for their children.

You can help by sending a donation to Family Help, Inc. P.O. Box 302, Middletown, DE 19709. Your donation is tax deductible.

For more information, you may call Harvey Zendt (302-376-6339), or me (302-824-6272).

Peace and Blessings in the new year, and thank you.

Dave D.