Imagine coming to this area from several states away with someone for whom you cared deeply.  Then, shortly after arriving here, that relationship falls apart.  With your limited resources, you end up without a home, yet you were able to find a bed in a local shelter.  Still, who can you trust? How will you get along?

  This was Kathy's situation at age 44.  Prior to coming here, a stroke had greatly impaired her cognitive and physical abilities and her speech. When Natasha Nix, Outreach Coordinator with Aurora, met Kathy, she had regained most of her physical abilities but was still redeveloping her speech and cognition.

  One early morning, Kathy, a Veteran of the Air Force, needed to be at the VA Clinic to leave on the van for Marion, IL hospital at 5:15 a.m.  But, the METS bus in the shelter area didn't run until 6:00 am.  Word reached Natasha that Kathy planned on walking from the shelter to Walnut St. to catch the van.  Instead, Natasha supplied her a ride to the van.

   This one act of service opened the door between the two ladies, with Kathy beginning to trust Natasha and the services she could offer.  Natasha later assisted her with connecting with Social Security Disability Income checks that were still in North Carolina, transferring benefits to Indiana, applying for public housing, acquiring furniture and household items, and moving in --the day before Kathy's 45^th birthday!

   Several months after moving in, Kathy was able to purchase a used car.  She also began re-establishing relationships with both of her grown children in NC. Late last year, she decided to move back to NC, at the request of her daughter. She held a sale in her apartment, sold some of her things, then drove herself and the rest of her belongings to NC. She gave proper notice and left on extremely good terms with her landlord.

   Each person who is homeless is different.  Each one has a different story.  Still, a common thread runs through the work of our Homeless Outreach Team: building trust.  Small actions of caring and personal interest can build into a relationship through which lives can be changed.  Is there someone who is homeless with whom you can or have begun to build a relationship?  For whose life can you be the key that opens the door to no longer being homeless? 

  "How's it going?" A common phrase we ask each other daily. I use to hesitate to respond because I would try to determine if they really wanted to know or if it was just a matter of politeness. My common response now is, "Slow but steady". This seems to open the door for future conversation for those who want to know more, or to close the door for those just making pleasant conversation.

   Slow -- I often get frustrated because it takes so long to accomplish the most simplest of tasks. Resources are limited and in short supply. The eight-hour work day is never enough to work thought the growing stack on my desk. Slow, because every day another family is experiencing the tragedy of homelessness. Slow, because the solutions to homelessness are not easy.

   But, steady -- because many have caught the vision that ending homelessness is not only possible, but absolutely necessary for the well being of this community. Steady, because of the encouragement I get from the multitude of individuals and groups working together to end homelessness. Steady, because of the support of our donors, who are willing to give of their treasure to end homelessness as we know it today. Steady, because there is no other way. Homelessness has an impact on every thread that makes up the tapestry of this community. To give up is not an option.

   So, how's it going with you?

The Trivia Tonight event proved to be a fun-filled event enjoyed by all. Everyone put their

We appreciate our sponsors for helping to make this event such a success: Evansville Country Club, American Patriot Group, Koch Foundation, and Shetler Moving and Storage!

's service with us. For much of 2006, Keith assisted us with maintenance tasks around the office.  He came to us through the AARP senior employment program.  We wish him well in his other assignment.

In February 2007, Sherrie Bias joined us as our Director of Development and Operations.  Sherrie is active in creating financial support for the mission of Aurora and in overseeing the  management of our assets.

We extended thanks to the following ...

• Those who gave to the new Outreach Ornaments project ($800 cash; $250 gift cards; & MANY in-kind items)
• Adrian Rocca, a Christ the King student, for a special cash donation toward ending homelessness
• Marci Hitchcock and Deaconess Lab employees for outreach supplies in special drawing stockings
• Rudd Equipment for a monetary donation
• Trinity United Methodist Church for hosting the Homeless Memorial Service
• Kate Powell for database assistance related to a Homeward Bound mailing
• Family Video, First Ave., for plastic bags for a Housing Matters! simulation and outreach deliveries
• Cammy Ricketts for computer maintenance assistance
• Jared Eaton, Robbie Roate, &  Erin Bloss of North Park Baptist Church for painting a restroom
• Daughters of Charity for sweatshirts and outreach supplies
• Joanne Cundiff of Country Stitches and Dave Koewler & the North Posey High School's Industrial Arts Club and Heath Will for assistance with Housing Matters! sweatshirts
• Amy DeVries for coverage in Evansville Parent & follow-up phone calls for a Destination: Home project
• First Christian Church, Newburgh-High School Youth Group for backpacks and duffel bags
• Impulse Hair Studio & Day Spa for providing a "first-impression make-over" to one of our clients
• RSVP Volunteers (Jerry Tucker, Harry Kahn, Marilyn Pruiett, Elizabeth Haskins, Annie Tunley & Mary Hughes) and Deanna Dixon for help with bulk mailings
• Bruce Barger, David Brown, Scott & Stephanie Kaho, Courtney Peterson, James Pinkston, and Jill Smith for helping with Trivia Tonight
• Schnucks--Newburgh location for outreach supplies
• Matt's Lawn Care, for keeping our grounds
• Vectren for assistance with Aurora News
  

Thank you for your continuing support of Aurora!  Whether your aide is through encouragement or donated items, time, or funds, we want you to know that we appreciate you!