Today two young children will be playing with their toys on their living room floor. Their favorite cartoon will be streaming through the television. The kids are laughing and sharing their toys with one another. Later, they will go outside and run around the yard, letting their imaginations running as wild as free as any child’s mind should. Their lives are completely free from any cares in the world.
Meanwhile, the parents of those same children are experiencing a different situation. They just received a letter on their front door. They have just two days to pack up all their belongings and leave their home. A home that they have worked to build to provide those children playing outside a safe haven. A home that has collected memories that would last a lifetime. In a moment’s notice-it’s all gone. The parents haven’t been able to pay rent in the recent months leading up to this day. Both have been barely been able to keep food on the table. They have had to make some difficult decisions. Can they afford to pay the power bill?! If so, what bill will they not pay?! Is the gas bill going to be payed?! How our they both going to get to work, because they aren’t able to afford to fill up their vehicles. For many, including in the city of Dayton, these are everyday questions. The uncertainty of everyday living is more stressful than most could ever imagine. Luckily, there is support for those individuals who need it when the worst circumstances occur, like getting the evection notice on the door, or if some of the household bills need to be taken care of. The support is called Homefull.
Homefull, located at Edwin C. Moses Blvd in Dayton, is a nonprofit organization that is working to end homelessness for people mentioned earlier by providing housing, services, advocacy and education. Formally called The Other Place, Homefull is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. To honor the milestone, the 25th Anniversary Gala will be transpiring on September 19th at the Dayton Art Institute.
Homefull opened their doors to help those in need in 1988 at the Christ Episcopal Church in town. Soon after opening, the organization started to slowly build their shelters to what they are today. One thing has always been the same-to be the support for people who are or about to experience homelessness. The group feverishly works to educate the community about how homelessness happens and what can be done to prevent it. Homefull also works to help provide individuals who are struggling direct services, such as helping them find housing, paying bills and the mortgage by offering assistance. By doing this, Homefull gives guidance to these folks by enrolling them in programs to get them back on their feet. The programs include learning how to budget what you have money wise, providing job development, among others. Homefull have this for their yearly goal:
- 800 men, women, & children housed
- 500 dedicated volunteers helping in their organization
- 100 corporate partners being part of the organization
- Accumulate $250,000 in financial support
The 25th Anniversary Gala being held at the Dayton Art Institute is going to be an evening that will be simply magical as the museum will provide the perfect backdrop for the event. The evening’s mission will be asking one question-what will be possible? To explore that question, chorographer Rodney Veal will be presenting a mind-blowing musical/theatre/dance/visual show that will have the attendees be blown away. Veal’s astounding vision includes presenting a gown that will be completely made out of recycled newspapers. Another featured outfit will have LED lights hanging over the gown. These are just a few things that will be presented as you head to the dinner. While enjoying your dinner you will be hearing great music from local musician Danny Voris along with a special treat that will surely make your evening. Local artwork will be part of the silent auction. Artists such as Amy Kollar Anderson, Erin Holscher Almazan, Mark Echtner, William Jones, Nick Stamas are just a few that will artwork presented, expanding the boundaries of elements from all angles that truly explore what is possible.
September 19th promises to be an evening that will show all who attend what is truly important-Homefull is doing extraordinary things in the fight against homelessness. The volunteers that are part of the organization express how much of a joy it is to help their fellow neighbors who are of in need. Last year, Homefull helped over 3500 people. More recent success includes more than 400 units are available for supportive housing and chronic homelessness is down by 65%. However, they are more than 1000 men and women a night aren’t able to be so fortunate. By attending the Gala at Dayton Art Institute, you will be doing your part to help the cause. To ensure seating, Homefull said that would like attendees to RSVP as soon as possible, but no later than September 3rd.
To register to attend, visit homefull.org, or call (937) 293-1945.
