winter 2007

Dear Friends:

The holiday season is here, and as always, I find myself torn between joy and sorrow.  I take endless joy in my family and friends and in the wonderful life that I am blessed to be living.  My sorrow comes in the knowledge that far too many people in our community find themselves cold and alone, facing challenges that seem too great to overcome.

My children are healthy and happy and have bright futures ahead of them.  Yet it pains me to know that families with children are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population.  In fact, the average age of a homeless person in the United States is just nine years old.  Starting in December, The Other Place will begin working in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul to provide case management services to families staying at the St. Vincent Hotel.  As the executive director of The Other Place, I am very pleased with this new partnership.  As a mother, it breaks my heart that there is even a need for these services.

And yet I am hopeful.  I see our community coming together in new ways to help the most helpless among us.  I see individuals who give selflessly of their time and resources to help make a difference.  I see local businesses taking the initiative in donating needed items and recruiting teams of volunteers.  I see the leaders of our community standing up to say that it is not okay for us to turn away from those in need.  And I see hope in the eyes of the people we serve every day. 

This holiday season, I have three requests to make of you.  First, take the time to count your blessings and to share them with the ones you love.  Second, don’t forget about those for whom the holidays are darkened by hardship.  And finally, please help The Other Place continue working toward our vision of a community where there is no homelessness. Whether your support comes in the form of a monetary contribution, a donation of winter clothing and blankets, or your time working with us as a volunteer, please know that your support truly does make a difference.  You can help us give the best gift of all – hope.

Respectfully,

Tina M. Patterson

Tina M. Patterson
Executive Director

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