Joshua's House

Joshua’s House Walking for Warmth raises more than $1,800
By: Laura Carpenter
Express Staff Writer

Joshua’s House, a non-profit organization in the Northeast Kingdom, held a Walking for Warmth event Saturday at the Lake Region Union High School’s track. About 425 donors sponsored the event, and nine walkers participated in the walk. A homeless woman who participated came with $300 in sponsorship money and walked about 15 miles Saturday.

The group’s Executive Director, Casey Boyle-Eldridge, said the group was very pleased with the event. There was hot chocolate and snacks, face painting, and balloons. Nine people walked on the track, and one of those was a North Country Union High School student. Another student from the high school had sponsored her for $20.00. Boyle-Eldridge said it was wonderful that students and many others participated.

The money raised at this event is specifically for those needing help with fuel costs this coming winter. Boyle-Eldridge said the organization does not compete with other agencies; it works with them.

North East Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) has an emergency fuel assistance fund. However historically, the funds available through this program are not enough to pay for a one-time delivery, said Boyle-Eldridge. If a need is found, Joshua’s House can provide that extra assistance. Money is not sent directly to the individual, but to the vendor who provides the service needed.

The organization can be contacted from churches, agencies, and individuals who write letters.

Boyle-Eldridge said that the person is referred to agencies first. But the group can make up for additional shortfalls if the need is determined. Recently the group received a letter from an 80-year-old woman who has a medical condition. The woman did not budget enough money to heat her home this winter. Joshua’s House takes information to the group’s board and a conversation begins over the best way to approach the situation.

The needs for this winter have yet to be seen, said Boyle-Eldridge, but need is expected. The group plans to hold additional fundraisers.

According to the group’s website, their mission statement is to meet the needs of the homeless population in Vermont that result from unemployment and underemployment as well as increased substance abuse addiction.

“Our objectives are to support and shelter the homeless short-term and to help those who are homeless secure transitional housing that will empower each individual to find support, love, caring and outreach from us — their community family. We are a Christian organization that will provide service to people from all walks of life.”

According to the website, the primary activity of the group is to shelter and provide housing for homeless individuals over the age of 18 unless accompanied by an adult parent or guardian. Vermont has a foster care system that houses children under the age of 18. All homeless individuals will be eligible for shelter for a minimum of one week, or until transitional services can be arranged. Individuals in need could include victims of domestic violence; parolees, transient homeless people, families left homeless due to fires or other causes, and other individuals as their need arises.

Joshua’s House can be contacted on-line at Joshuahousevt.org, through the mail, P.O. Box 186, Irasburg, Vt. 05845, at 754-2611, and 754-2087.