[su_label type=”info”]Agency Spotlight[/su_label]

Lucinda M. Stinson can’t stand the thought of kids sleeping on the floor.

Yet that is often the reality for families who have secured housing after experiencing homelessness. They may have a roof over their heads, but no way to purchase items needed to get a good night’s sleep, prepare food or sit down to share a meal.

An outreach program of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church since 1991 and a United Way BCKR partner under Financial Stability, Partners in Housing Transition aims to ease the transition out of homelessness for Kalamazoo families. The program provides them with home furnishings they could otherwise not afford as they move into permanent housing and work toward achieving self-sufficiency. That includes things like beds and sheet sets for each member of the family, other furniture, dishes, silverware and much more.

“Our high rate of poverty is inexcusable,” said Stinson, who was named Executive Director of Partners in December. “A lot of these families have unfortunately been at the shelter. They’re transitioning from homelessness to home, which is a celebration. A lot of our clients have had a tough time.”

The program served 159 families in 2017, including 420 children.

“For me, it’s a ministry, and what we’re doing to provide these services is very vital,” Stinson said. “When we have children who are still sleeping on the floor, that’s just not right.”

A lower level space at St. Luke’s serves as a staging area for the items, donated by members of the church and community. Tags indicate items already spoken for, waiting to be delivered to eager families.

Partners takes referrals from organizations such as YWCA, HRI and Samaritus, and then invites clients to come in, go down a checklist and choose the things they need for their new homes. The quantity of items they receive depends largely upon family size. The process can be “pretty emotional,” Stinson said.

Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program (KPEP) partners with the organization, handling pickup of donated items and delivery to the families. Volunteers help run other aspects of the program, and more are always welcome.

“These individuals are really passionate about making sure clients have everything they need to make an easy transition,” Stinson said. “We’re going to take care of our community. This is what we do.”

How You Can Help

• Volunteer: Extra hands are needed to help sort and organize donations so that the experience for families is not overwhelming.
• Donate: Beds and dressers are currently in demand, and Partners will accept the following items, as well: Sofas and love seats, living room chairs, dining room chairs, end tables, lamps, vacuum cleaners, silverware, blankets and linens, pots and pans, small appliances, kitchen utensils and more. Monetary donations are also welcome and are used to purchase beds.

Call or email the Partners office for information on volunteering or drop-offs: (269)385-2466 or partners@stlukeskalamazoo.org.