All work together to give a single man the path to a stable productive life.

Working Miracles

Dear friends, thank you for believing in the vital work of Congregations for the Homeless. Without your support we wouldn't be able to continue to provide shelter, case management and stable housing for homeless men on the eastside. Together we are making a difference: since 2006 we have moved 300 men from homelessness to housing. Our program is working and we are proud to report that 73% of the men in the shelter leave with stable housing.

We would like to share what one of the men recently shared with us. It really touched our hearts:

"Hopefully this note will be made available to all the people involved with the CFH program, because CFH works real life miracles.

When I first came to CFH in mid-April 2011 I was very ill. I had been receiving treatment for hepatitis C for about 5 months and had been living through the winter in a tent. I had been assaulted, roughed up more than a little and my campsite was destroyed. CFH was able to get me into the shelter within a week. This act alone likely may have saved my life at the time. It is hard to fully express just how thankful I am of the CFH family.

I have recently moved into a wonderful CFH subsidized one bedroom apartment in Bellevue close to the hospital and doctor. It feels like home and it looks like home. At the end of the day I am still seriously ill and am considered terminal. But I have been given back my dignity and hope; I won't die alone in the woods, homeless.

If there is hope now, it is because once again the CFH organization has intervened in my behalf and has enrolled me in their private subsidy program. In a short time they really have done for me what some wait years for. And so hopefully I can find some recovery here, at home. For the first time in three years I feel secure and safe in my new home.

The people involved with CFH volunteer so much time and individual assets. These are historically tough times for so many. Donated funds, time, sundry items, clothing and the like are so valuable to a varied group of homeless men who are being rewarded by their participation and privilege of association with CFH.

This program is funded by donations from a wide variety of sources. But there is a need for so much more because things will get worse before they get better for our country. There are so many now that genuinely need help, never before so much demand. Supporters of CFH are vitally needed and greatly appreciated."

Your support has made stories like Vincent's possible. In the hope that comes with each new year and in the spirit of the holiday, your year-end gift would help the hundreds of others who seek a warm, safe place to sleep, medical and dental assistance, ongoing case management and employment assistance. Your gift is the gift of greater self sufficiency and hope and would make sure that we can help more men like Vincent.  Donate now!

Fundraising Luncheon Highlights
by Stacey Witte

A heartfelt thank you to all of you who participated in our second annual fundraiser; whether you attended the event, donated, helped or kept us in your prayers, it is with gratitude that I take this opportunity to express our appreciation.

The CFH event on October 4 was a day to be proud of. I am pleased to report that when I arrived to set up at 8 AM there were 9 men from the shelter waiting to help set up the venue. I was so touched that so many men were willing to express their gratitude for CFH by helping set up, greet, and clean up on the day of our event.

It was wonderful to see so many of our long-time donors, and it was a pleasant surprise to welcome new supporters. A total of 225 committed men and women joined our team in welcoming our speaker, Bill Grace. It was the perfect time to share our new video and our vision for CFH's future. Sterling Bentsen made a repeat appearance as emcee, and all were welcomed by Executive Director, Steve Roberts.

With careful planning and donations from community, we were able to keep the event's expenses to a minimum ($4,500.00) plus the cost of the video. To date, the event has raised $40,000, a 14% increase over last year.

First Presbyterian welcomed all of us and provided an incredible venue for the day's event. Our signature box lunch was provided by Pomegranate Bistro and Lisa Dupar catering. Thanks to the many volunteers that assisted in the planning and coordinating, the day was a huge success.