STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART
What a year it has been. As I think of 2023, the faces of all the people we have served go by—several hundred, each with their own story. Some of you interacted with some of them personally. Many of you supported us in one way or another during the year. We couldn’t have done it without you.
We were all lulled into thinking that Covid was gone—completely. When we go to the grocery store, we don’t see people with masks smiling at us with their eyes. In fact, Covid isn’t gone. During the year we had several outbreaks. Fortunately, it was not like the original strains which were intense. While mild, we experienced disruption several times during the year.
On Friday, March 24th we broke ground on the new building at 308 South Meridian Road in Newton. In April dirt work started and it has been non-stop ever since. Hutton Construction and its subcontractors have done an awesome job.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention our Staff. Through it all they have served diligently. I want to say a big thanks to them.
We Love You, Brian Bisbee
Some of You Have Asked ...
Last month I told the story of the man who walked 28 miles from McPherson so that he could find a place to stay at the New Hope Shelter. He is now working full-time at a Construction job and is progressing well.
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your support of New Hope Shelter through in-kind gifts, your time as a volunteer, financially, in prayer and in so many other ways I have not mentioned over the years. We are indeed a place of healing and the restoration of Hope, and you have been a huge part of that.
A resident I will refer to as “J” came to us about three months ago. A relationship with an abusive boyfriend had crumbled. Her daughter was in foster care. She was jobless and destitute. She had been involved in criminal activity, was in the throes of addiction and had only one way to look from the bottom—and that was up.
She wrote this very insightful statement about the condition of her life, “Your placement here saved my life.” That is a role the New Hope Shelter, with your support, has played in the lives of many.
It is easy to cite statistics on how many people we have sheltered and how many meals we have served. We have those statistics. However, they mean little when compared to the desperate need we had to address in the life of J. She also wrote the following statement that was very direct and raw, “Don’t give up on me — I can do this.”
What has she achieved in the past three months?
● She is substance free and has a strong commitment to being so.
● She has sought the support of resources in the community like NA.
● She has spent hours experiencing the support of volunteers and staff.
● Visitation has been restored with her daughter and talks are taking place about restoring custody.
● She has gotten a full-time job. She works hard at a dirty job and comes home every day with a smile on her face.
● She has managed her money well and saved enough to get into her own place with her name on the lease.
We haven’t given up on her. Neither have you. It is only with your support that this amazing life change has taken place. J’s life has been saved and her Hope is being restored.
As the year ends and we prepare to move into our new building at 308 South Meridian in Newton, we need your help in finishing this year strong and in launching into next year. There are many more people like J who will be calling for help. Can we count on you to contribute by check or online through our website at www.newhope-shelter.org?
Thanks in advance for your help,
Brian Bisbee
brian@newhope-shelter.org
You will not be getting too many more updates. We are packing and sorting on January 13th and moving on January 27th. Can You Believe That?
We need Packing Boxes. Please drop them off anytime. We will use them in our big move. Please pray for us in the process as it is a huge undertaking. Thanks.
DON'T LET THEM GO TO WAIST
Bring us your leftovers from that Holiday gathering, Business Lunch, Dinner, or Family Reunion. We will use them for our lunches. If you need more information, please call 316-283-7711
Shopping at Dillon's? You can help New Hope Shelter!
Register your Dillon’s Plus Shopper Card, select New Hope Shelter as the nonprofit you support. Each time you shop at Dillon’s or Kwik Shop, New Hope will receive up to 5% of your purchase. Register here at dillons.com/communityrewards.
Laundry Pods
Pine-Sol
All-Purpose Cleaner
Lysol Spray
Toilet Paper
Napkins
Paper Towels
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Salad Dressings
Our mission at New Hope Shelter, Inc. is to provide a sanctuary for those experiencing homelessness in Harvey, Marion, McPherson and Butler counties by uniting the local church into a nurturing community which restores hope through a growing relationship with Christ.
It is through the love of Christ we share with those in need of hope.
Executive Director - Brian Bisbee
brian@newhope-shelter.org
316-283-7711
