After a long day at work or shuffling kids around town, there is something about coming home. Opening the door to the warmth and comfort of a cup of hot chocolate, a fire in the fireplace, and relaxing before you head off to bed. The “home” is a central hub for activity and for many brings memories of gathering together and enjoying time with family and friends.
We may take for granted the security our home brings throughout the chaos of the day, but for many Idahoans, having a “home” can be a struggle. Living on the streets, some families with children want the stability of living in a home, but need help from organizations to get back on their feet so they can start their life over.
One of those families is Sierra and Heather. Here is their story:
“My mom is strong, works really hard, and doesn’t give up,” said Sierra.
Sierra is in the 4th grade and wants to be a forensic scientist when she grows up. She
experienced homelessness with her mom Heather for most of her life. They both were housed
with CATCH in 2020.
“Sierra is my strength,” Heather said. “And behind her being born, CATCH is the best thing to ever happen to me”
Before being housed with CATCH, Heather experienced homelessness numerous times
since she was 19 years old. She contributes drug usage and unhealthy relationships as the
main factors that lead her and Sierra into experiencing homelessness.
“With CATCH’s help, Sierra and I are the healthiest we have been,” said Heather. “I’ve
remained drug free for over three years, have grown professionally and received promotions,
bought a new car, and have managed to build a savings of over $3,000.”
“Simply put, CATCH changed our lives,” Heather said. “I plan on continuing to grow our savings with the dream of buying a house one day.”
-Story provided by CATCH of Idaho
CATCH of Idaho is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to helping families with children get back on their feet so they can start over and build a home of their own. They identify and work with families, like Sierra and Heather, to provide housing first so families can be secure and then work with them to address different challenges they face that left them living on the streets.
By working with regional governments, congregations of faith, local businesses and other charitable organizations, CATCH has been able to transition families from living on the streets helping them live a life of self-sufficiency in over 80% of participating families. They have been able to secure jobs, transportation, and the necessities they need so their families can live and thrive in our community.
TOGETHER WE GIVE
At the Mike Brown Group, we know how important it is for everyone to have a home and the security having a home brings to all families regardless of income. We also know that for many families, non-profit organizations like CATCH are the lifeline they need to help them get back on their feet.
The Together We Give Foundation is a nonprofit organization of the Mike Brown Group, which gives back to our community through charitable giving. Over the years we have provided charitable donations to several organizations in our community so they can make a difference in the lives of those they serve.
Beginning in 2021, Together We Give Foundation chose CATCH of Idaho as our charity to support, and together with our REALTORS® we donate a portion of all real estate transactions to support charities like CATCH. Throughout the year, we have partnered with them to provide support and donations to help them continue to work by bringing families together and providing them with a home and services they need, so they too can build a life in a home they love.
As part of our year-end gift, Together We Give Foundation will be donating an astounding $100,000 so more families can move from the streets into a home.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
As you consider your end of year giving and organizations you can serve here in the Treasure Valley, please consider donating to CATCH of Idaho, so they can provide the housing and support needed to homeless families in the area.
When you donate to CATCH, you help families like Sierra and Heather, to get the services they need to rebuild their lives with the security of a home.
To learn more about CATCH of Idaho, visit https://www.catchidaho.org/
