NEOCH's Winter Appeal 2023

Dear Friends,

The challenges for individuals and families experiencing homelessness continue to rise and the struggles faced by those without stable housing remain constant. There is no doubt that there is much to worry about in our world. As I reflect on this context and our mission, I am reminded that our work is more critical than ever and for the people we serve it is about cultivating hope. Today, I am inviting you to hope with us.

While hope comes in the most human and mundane exchanges, we need to remember it is not simply a passive response to difficulty. Hope is an active, transformative force that shapes lives and communities. It allows the people on the streets to make it another day; it brings people to attend yet another organizing meeting; it is what weaves the diversity of NEOCH’s beloved community – housed and unhoused alike – to address systemic issues such as discrimination, lack of affordable housing, and policies that perpetuate inequality.

Hope comes as a blanket. Every year, we hand out hundreds of blankets to people on the streets. This alone is never enough. It becomes hope because the people know that our team will be there tomorrow, the following day - and the next day - to break down barriers to get them into permanent housing.

Hope comes as a meeting. We are working with tenants around the city and county to form associations and to demand more tenants’ rights. Hope comes because NEOCH’s housing justice work is not just a slogan; it is embedded into our organizing and mission. We bring connections, networks, skills, and the commitment to support tenants and change policy.

Hope comes as a candle lit. Every year, we hold a public vigil for our people who have died on the streets. We light a candle for each one of them and say their name. Hope is found in this ritual and the truth that they won’t be forgotten by their friends and that there was a community that loved them.

We need supporters who dare to hope that we can end homelessness. Today, I invite you to consider making a special contribution to NEOCH. Your continued support will ensure that we enter the new year with the resources needed to continue to our vital role in organizing, advocating, educating, and outreaching our community.

Thank you for being a vital part of our mission. We wish you a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with compassion, radical change, and of course - hope.

The NEOCH Team

Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH)