I was talking with a
friend the other day about how well Fresh Start was
doing. I've seen five homeless clients at a time
coming into our office, getting showers, getting
clothes, referrals to shelter, help getting picture
IDs, help getting medications, etc. but many of them
just come in to have someone like Maria to talk
with. I mentioned that our problem is that we are
spending about $2000 a month more than we are
receiving in income (about $1,000 a month). I said
that if we could get the equivalent of 20 people
agreeing to help with $100 a month over the next 12
months that would keep our doors open. He said,
"I'll sign up if you can get 19 other people to sign
up."
So, the Fresh Start
approved a campaign whereby Fresh Start will issue
shares of pseudo-stock (Pstock) to persons pledging
a monthly amount to help us keep this vital program
going. Pledgers will become "owners" of Fresh
Start, sharing to help ease the burden over many
instead of just a couple of people carrying the
weight of this program, until we can get more,
larger sources of stable funding.
If we get more than 20
people signed up the share per person would be
reduced below the $100 a month. Below is a list of
shareholders at the first week of this campaign.
Would you join us?
Also, please ask your
churches and organizations to schedule a time for
one of us to come and speak about what we are doing
to ease the burden of homelessness in our community,
particularly for the mentally ill.
Blessings,
Gary A. Edwards 699-0848