Fundraising efforts underway to increase housing for homeless
By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
After losing three of its six housing units, leaders of the Whitewater-based nonprofit Bethel House are in the midst of a vigorous fundraising appeal as the need to serve persons at or on the verge of homelessness continues in the community.
Former council member Jim Winship, who serves as vice president of Bethel House’s board of directors, came before the Common Council on Oct. 20 with details of the appeal for the 21-year-old organization.
As he came before the council and discussed some of the issues facing Bethel House, Winship said, “There is a greater need than once thought.”
Throughout its more than two decades in existence, the faith-based Bethel House organization has served more than 100 families and 275 children who have been housed in one of the units overseen by a group leader.
In addition to assisting with urgent housing needs, Bethel House assists in such areas as pitching in with one-time utility and rent payments. The organization also serves as a liaison to social workers, who connect with families in need and work toward more sustainable life strategies.
Some of the services offered through Bethel House include money saving tips, debt pay-down efforts and other financial management skills activities.
During his brief presentation to the council, Winship showed a brief campaign video that spotlighted Bethel House’s mission and fundraising efforts.
The goal, according to the video, is to purchase one duplex and one-single home within the community to bring the organization’s housing stock back up to six separate living units.
For information on Bethel House, visit the organization’s website at www.bethelhouseinc.org or call (262) 473-2715.
