A Letter From a Runner

Dear friends and MBHP supporters,

As many of you know, my work as a case manager for Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership has gotten more challenging both personally and professionally in the current economic climate. In the past year, we have seen state budget cuts eliminate our emergency assistance funds for individuals and families struggling to pay rent and the state housing vouchers used to provide housing to low-income folks have been under threat. At the same time, the number of families accessing the overflowing state shelter system has risen dramatically. As of September of this year 1,001 families are living in motel rooms compared to 77 in September of 2007. We are also seeing individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness for the first time after a job loss, illness or foreclosure.

There has been hope, however. Our 2009 annual report highlights some of the many successes that our agency has had in the past year. We have made due with less but could do so much more. I am writing to let you know that I have committed to do more as 2009 ends and 2010 begins. In addition to my work as a case manager with some of the most vulnerable in the 30 cities and towns MBHP serves, I have chosen to run the 2010 Boston Marathon to raise $10,000 for the Housing Supports Program at MBHP. For so many of those that I meet with every day, a rental subsidy, if available, simply isn't enough. Case management, utility assistance and other services are critical to making sure that our clients have successful tenancies.

In 2008, Carolyn and I made a $1000 per year, 3 year commitment to MBHP. Join us in making a significant commitment to keeping individuals and families housed throughout the Greater Boston area in the coming year. Read about our successes and know that by giving you are making it possible. I believe everyone deserves a place to call home - and together we can make that a reality. Take a moment to read more about my run and make a donation. This April I hope to set personal records in the marathon and in fundraising but I can't do it without you. Finally, if you know of others who might be interested in supporting MBHP, share your donation and perhaps ask them to match it. If your company has a community or charitable giving initiative, please ask them to give.

Together we can create a circle of giving that will reach the $10,000 goal and beyond.

Many thanks,

Jesse