At its core, the work of the Safe Beacon and Catholic Charities member agencies is about providing support and care for vulnerable people in crisis as they confront complex social and societal problems.
" Sam applied for rental assistance for tenants in two of his units. One tenant owed $1,800 in arrears and another owed $7,500 in arrears. In both cases, Sam and his tenants received assistance to cover the entirety of the outstanding balance, as well as three months of future rent for each tenant. In total, they received $17,100 of assistance through the Safe Beacon rental assistance program. "
" The funding made a huge difference for Sam. In both cases, the funds ease strained relationships with his tenants, and reinvest in projects that improved property values, provided work opportunities for contractors, and raised the quality of life for residents in his building. One of Sam’s buildings "
" Jeremy’s tenant was more than three months behind and losing ground. They were willing to apply for assistance and Jeremy helped them file the paperwork. "
" The funding helped Jeremy to continue building projects that were ongoing. Jeremy has a multi-unit building he purchased and is working to renovate. Without the rental assistance he received, he would not be able to apply resources to the project as planned. Although Jeremy didn’t apply for or receive a large amount of assistance, he is working on a tight budget and, therefore, the assistance was very helpful. "
" Sally” is a 75 year old woman. SAFE BEACON first met Sally in 2015 when she and her brother needed assistance, they were homeless, and we helped them find a discounted rate at a local hotel. They became housed soon after, although the rent was not affordable on two fixed incomes. They knew they could come to OHRA if they needed support. We saw them infrequently when they were in need for assistance, once in 2017 for some rental assistance, and again a short time in 2018 when their vehicle broke down.. "
" Recently, Sally came up on the list for not one, but TWO affordable housing opportunities in Ashland. Kasey, her Navigator at SAFE BEACON endearingly recalled Sally’s answers to two housing interview questions that she had the honor to sit in on recently. The questions were: “what is a short term goal and what is a long term goal that you have?” Sally’s short term goal was to find stable housing, her long term goal is “to continue to be a useful person.” This amazing 75 year old woman, now has a safe place to be, a stronger support system than ever, and the time, ability and choice to move into a new home.. "
" Anna and Deloise are just such a pair. Anna is 10 years old and came to the U.S. with her family as refugees from Democratic Republic of Congo. Her parents wanted her to improve her reading, writing and conversational English – their first language is Swahili – as well as explore her new community. "
" Anna and Deloise like being out and about together, visiting the library, reading to each other, eating out and enjoying local events, including horseback riding! Deloise has particularly enjoyed meeting people from another country. “I like the opportunity to meet Anna and her extended family and to learn more about their culture,” she said. As for Anna, she loves being read to by Deloise, and, well, as she said, “I like everything!” "
" Joe, a client of Safe Beacon and Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota, lives in a rural area who follows our routing on keeping fit. "
" SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) is an evidence-based workout program designed to prevent falls and promote a healthy lifestyle. The classes are offered daily, free of charge. SAIL classes provide community as well as physical activity. "
Each week, the meals are delivered by trained drivers who also do a wellness check and provide companionship for the recipients who are elderly. Sunny has had a few drivers over the years, including one who mentioned he liked ice cream, so she kept Klondike Bars in the freezer to share with him. “It’s so much more than the meals that come,” Sunny says. “I still do my own housework and fumble in the yard and carefully drive my car, but I am a handicapped individual, so it just lightens your week. It’s the human touch — it brings you a smile and lets you know you’re still worthwhile. It gives you a spiritual lift.”
" John and Judy’s situation was bleak– they were living in a motel for two months after losing their jobs and home. Room costs were eating up their savings. John’s chronic disability made sleeping in the car impossible. SAFE BEACON’s navigator quickly recognized the couple qualified for Rapid Relief Rehousing funds. SAFE BEACON’s navigator found them an apartment just few days after contacting us. "
" When SAFE BEACON’s navigator told them “I can get you housed right now,” Judy fell to her knees and cried. Since then, John has secured disability benefits. Judy continues to look for work, but in her words “a world of worry has been lifted.” . "