Meet Jessica, a 44-year-old mother of three who was trapped in an abusive relationship. When an order of protection couldn’t ensure her safety and peace of mind, she went on the run in fear for her life. But with no place to go, Jessica moved from town to town and slept in her car in an effort to evade her abuser. A local social services agency gave her a long list of resources that eventually led Jessica to Homefirst. It was the only place on that long list that offered Jessica the support she needed to get on the road to a new start.

At our Plainfield Family Support Center, Jessica met with a bilingual Family Engagement Specialist who helped her get temporary housing, a mailing address to receive mail, a job, food, and placement on a waiting list for permanent housing. Once Jessica was stabilized, the Family Engagement Specialist made regular follow-up calls and visits to check up on her. 

Homefirst was able to help put Jessica on the road to recovery, but she still struggles with memories. “I owned my own home. Now I’m paying rent. Starting over and trying to rebuild at this age is hard,” Jessica told her advocate. “I still have to fight the negative thoughts that it’s my fault, or that I wasn’t smart enough, or that I wasn’t strong enough. But I’m focused now on being a victor, not a victim.”

Jessica’s story is just one of many Homefirst can tell about individuals and families who, with our help, were able to pull victory out of tragedy. The doors at Homefirst are open wide to all of them. But we are only able to keep them open through the generosity of people like you. Your donations are much more than dollars for our families. They are life-changing acts of kindness that directly affect the children, parents, and other individuals we serve.

Please help us continue to provide a new start to those who rely on our services. Please make a generous donation to Homefirst. Ninety percent of every dollar donated to Homefirst goes directly to services for homeless individuals and families. Consider these facts:

Your donation of: 

• $5,000 helps a family move into transitional housing and covers the cost of furniture and food and clothing for three months.

• $2,500 helps a victim of domestic violence move into supportive housing and covers the cost of counseling.

• $1500 helps with rental assistance for a family facing eviction.

• $500 feeds a family of four for six weeks.

• $300 helps a senior citizen with utilities for two months.

• $150 supports our on-site emergency toiletry and clothing closet.

• $75 supports our food program to make sure children and their families have three meals a day.

DONATE NOW

The Homefirst’s board, staff, volunteers and clients, wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season!