Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Urgent Need for Emergency Housing Fund Donations
In Mercer County, the harsh realities of homelessness and housing insecurity are closer than you think. Thankfully, the impact of the Mercer County Emergency Housing Fund is just as real. But the fund is nearly empty, leaving dozens more at risk.
The radiothon hosted by WRMJ in 2023 was a success, with 12 generous donors giving a total of $4,125. But the need is ongoing. MCBT (along with several area organizations) has provided emergency housing to 19 individuals; and thanks to the Mercer 100 group, 46 individuals found shelter this spring. This isn't a distant statistic; it's happening in our own community. The need is real and on our doorstep.
Today, the Mercer County Emergency Housing Fund sits at just a few hundred dollars. That won't cover much, but with your help, we can keep providing this lifeline to one of the most basic necessities for survival, shelter.
Help is provided on a case-by-case basis. This may be one month of rent/mortgage for someone facing eviction or a warm motel room for someone experiencing homelessness.
You may be thinking “But I’ve never seen this in Mercer County.” And that is because rural homelessness looks much different than it does in a city. Rural homelessness can look like living in a car or sleeping on a friend’s couch for a time.
Together, we can build a bridge back to stability. We can offer emergency shelter, transitional housing, and ultimately, a path to self-sufficiency. Please, donate today. Your generosity could mean the difference between a cold night in a car and a safe haven for someone in need.
Many thanks to the Mercer County Health Department, MHAP, Mercer County Family Crisis Center, Genesis Medical Center - Aledo, Mercer Foundation for Health, our school districts, local law enforcement, for their diligent help identifying and assisting those in need of safe and stable housing.
