MINISTRY OFFERS A HANDUP,
NOT A HANDOUT
LSCC partners with Hillcrest
Transitional Housing
June 2009
By Felicia Swope
Rising unemployment and economic chaos are pushing more people into homelessness. And squeaky clean suburbs, such as Lee’s Summit, are not immune.
To help meet this need, LSCC is partnering with an area ministry to provide shelter for families in Lee’s Summit. But the ministry, Hillcrest Transitional Housing Program, is about more than putting a roof over people’s heads.
“The ministry of Hillcrest is to move families from homelessness to self-sufficiency in 90 days,” said Cotton Sivils, the ministry’s director.
Participants in the Hillcrest program can stay rent-free in an apartment for 90 days. In addition, Hillcrest covers utility bills and almost all of the participants’ food and everyday essentials such as haircuts, dental visits and car repairs. In return, adults in the program must have a full-time job and attend classes in life skills, employment, community living and budgeting. During their stay in the program, many participants are able to pay off debt and save for a home of their own.
“We believe in teaching them how to fish instead of handing them a fish,” said Cotton.
The program helps people get a crash course in self sufficiency. But more importantly, more than 80 percent of graduates remain independent five years after leaving the Hillcrest program.
In 2008, Hillcrest served 29 families – mostly single moms with children – in its eight Independence apartments. The ministry is expanding to assist more families and has 14 apartments in Lee’s Summit.
To be successful, Hillcrest builds relationships with a network of churches, donors and other partners. Many congregations, including LSCC, agree to sponsor a Hillcrest apartment. This sponsorship includes renovating, furnishing, decorating and stocking the apartment with food and supplies. This is completed a few times each year as families move in and out.
LSCC’s volunteer efforts are headed by Norris and Becky Simmons. Norris said the ministry is an example of God’s love in action.
“For the participants, this program is doing wonders,” said Norris. “It gives them opportunities and lets them see that there are people out there who care. When you are down, we want to help you up. Th is is what God’s community is about. It is about building relationships outside of the church.”
This partnership has ongoing needs. Food donations are needed to the keep the apartment pantry full. Volunteers are also needed to clean and spruce up the apartments before new families move in.
“We are helping individuals that are on their last leg get back out into society and let them enjoy life the way that others are enjoying life,” said Norris. “This is just another footprint we are trying to make here in Lee’s Summit.”
Call to action
Volunteers are needed to:
• Supply food.
• Clean and perform light maintenance on apartmentsbefore new families move in.
• Pray that participants will get a fresh start through their experience with Hillcrest.
Contact Norris Simmons for more information.
Writer Felicia Swope is a member of LSCC.
Volunteers of all ages have helped ready an apartment for families in need of transitional housing.
Please contact Roy Harryman, director of communications, for more information at 816.524.6786 x104.