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Group cuts off homelessness before it starts
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What's even better than helping a homeless person? How about helping prevent homelessness before it starts. Enter Jesse Tree of Idaho. This nonprofit agency is "dedicated to spreading the message of God's mercy and love to those in need through prayer, word and deed," according to its Web site. More specifically right now, Jesse Tree is focusing on Emergency Rental and Mercy Assistance, which provides one-time rental aid in hopes of keeping struggling families in their domiciles. This effort can have a chain reaction of benefits. First, the obvious: Those facing temporary financial problems have a chance to improve their situation without simultaneously being forced into the streets. Second, the fewer people who can't find a place to stay, the fewer people filling up homeless shelters — a reprieve these strained facilities definitely could use. There are tons of organizations in the Treasure Valley that offer unconditional help to those who need it most. When you find a group with a fresh take on an often covered problem, and that cites God's message as the driving force, that's something extra special. Volunteers needed If you're interested in this worthwhile volunteerism opportunity, call Barbie Campbell at 841-1558 or go to www.jessetreeofidaho.org. The widespread ways to help include everything from house inspecting to grant writing. The office hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. Getting help 1) The applicant completes a phone screening. 2) The applicant comes into the office, fills out an application and provides documentation. 3) A social worker contacts the property owner, interviewing the applicant and providing additional referrals as needed. 4) After the home is inspected for safety, a rent payment is mailed to the landlord. Three months after services have ended, the applicant receives a phone call verifying he or she is still "housed and working toward financial stability." — Information courtesy of www.jessetreeofidaho.org Funding sources Jesse Tree of Idaho receives funding from: Private Donors City of Boise Emergency Shelter Grant United Way of Treasure Valley Idaho Community Foundation Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church Wells Fargo Bank Foundation US Bancorp Windermere Foundation Gannett Foundation Albertson's Boise Open Albertson's Stores Banner Bank Risen Christ Catholic Community Whittenberger Foundation Washington Trust Bank Ada County Association of Realtors Foundation Larry Barnes Foundation The Halliday Foundation Rite Aid Foundation Home Federal Savings Weyehraeuser Company Foundation IDACORP IDACORP Employee Community Fund North City Mortgage Southwestern Idaho Combined Federal Campaing Idaho Associations of Mortgage Brokers Bank of the Cascades
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