Another Successful Dream Builders' Bash

March 14 was a lovely evening at the Madison Hotel in Convent Station. It was the site of the 8th annual Homeless Solutions Dream Builders' Bash, where 275 HSI supporters joined us for fine food, great music with dancing, and our always-exciting silent and live auctions. We were also delighted to have a Transitional Housing Program guest come and share her story. As always, we're so appreciative of the generosity of those in attendance - the funds raised at this event are critical to our ability to continue to provide our programs and services to our guests.

We give our heart-felt thanks to our Bash Committee Chairs, Kathy Teti and Val Shandlay, and all the members of the committee who worked tirelessly in the weeks leading up to the event and at the Madison that night. We really couldn't have done it without you.

In attendance at the Homeless Solutions, Inc. press conference announcing the Hospitality Link opening were, left to right, Pam Palumbo, HSI Director of Development, Betsey Hall, executive director of HSI, the Rev. Robert Shearer of St. Peter's Church in Morristown, the Rev. Cindy Alloway of Morristown Presbyterian Church, Elaine Johnson, HIS Director of Programs and Services and Susan Robinson, Communications Manager at HSI.

St. Peter’s Church donated the space for Hospitality Link, their Friendly Guild Room on South Street, and HSI will staff the center between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm weekdays. The purpose of the center is to offer case management services, benefits eligibility determination, connections to mental health and addiction treatment programs, referrals to emergency shelters, and direct assistance to clients on a case by case basis.  Hospitality Link will also provide a mailing address, access to phones, and limited storage to guests.

Funding for the center will be provided by faith communities, individual donors, and foundation and government grants, when possible.  HSI will be responsible for administering the center’s budget, and HSI administrative staff will manage the volunteer coordination and the compliance and accountability of the program.

Daily Record - "Morristown charities opening safe haven for area's homeless: Hospitality Link will open March 4, supported by local faith community"

Star-Ledger - " Homeless will soon find new hospitality - Morristown center to open next week"

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On Tuesday, May 22, 2007, Homeless Solutions, Inc. held the groundbreaking ceremony for our affordable housing development on Abbett Avenue in Morristown.  It was a momentous occasion - over 50 people were in attendance, and speakers included Craig Dodd and Dr. Elizabeth Hall, Board Chair and President of HSI, Donald Cresitello, Mayor of Morristown, Cheryl Bartow, Director of the Division of Community Development for the County of Morris, and Debra Urban, Director of NJHMFA Tax Credit Services.

The development includes 12 units in two buildings, with an equal distribution of one, two, and three bedroom apartments.  The project embraces smart growth and green building principles and promises to be an aesthetically pleasing addition to the neighborhood. It’s so exciting to have progress underway – we can’t wait until it’s time to cut the ribbon on our completed buildings!