For Immediate Release, December 8, 2008

Re:  Helping Services Receives Gift of a House

The board and staff at Helping Services for Northeast Iowa experienced Christmas early this year.  A supporter gave a house, located in Decorah, with funds from the sale going toward long term support of the agency’s Domestic and Sexual Abuse Resource Center.  

This gift to Helping Services endowment will allow the agency to support clients who wish to work toward economic stability for themselves and their children.  "The agency was looking for an opportunity to expand a housing program into Decorah and this gift provides the answer," states David Runyon, Executive Director. Funds are to be spent in Winneshiek County.

The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, wanted the gift to benefit the housing needs of clients in transition and in need of short term housing. "The agency's need and the donor's wishes were a perfect match", stated Runyon.  "We are very grateful."

The house will be sold, with the funds invested and used, along with donations from area churches, to pay for rent on an apartment in the Decorah area.  An individual eligible for support would live in the apartment from 2 months to 2 years.  

During their stay the individual will be encouraged to build a fund to support their transition to permanent housing.  These accumulated funds would provide the down payment or deposit on their own apartment or house.  

While living in the transitional apartment the person would also receive support from program advocates. Participants will be encouraged to set goals that will help them in the future.  These goals might include education and job training, or personal skills such as budgeting and household management, or parenting.  

Helping Services also coordinates transitional housing services in Fayette and Clayton Counties. These services are wholly supported by churches. "Clients living in these homes have had the 'breathing room' they have needed to set and reach important goals,” says Runyon.  "That is what this program is about."  

For questions about this or other services of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Resource Center, to volunteer or to donate, contact Helping Services at 563.387.1720.   

Return to www.helpingservices.org