News & Events

MVHO Street Outreach Team Partners with Sub Zero Mission to Provide Warmth for the Homeless

Miami Valley Housing Opportunities’ (MVHO) Street Outreach team had the honor of partnering with the Sub Zero Mission (SZM) to provide much-needed warmth and resources to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. On this occasion, the team acted as guides, assisting SZM in distributing essential cold-weather gear to those sleeping outdoors during the harsh winter months.

Sub Zero Mission, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the homeless, provided a variety of items critical for survival in freezing temperatures. These included hats, gloves, boots, coats, and sleeping bags — all designed to offer protection and comfort to individuals enduring the severe cold.

During the outreach, MVHO’s Johna Whitfield and Sage Reed reported a particularly concerning case. They encountered an individual who had very few cold-weather items and was at serious risk of succumbing to the extreme temperatures. Thankfully, through the collaborative efforts of SZM and MVHO, this person received the items they needed to survive the night.

This joint initiative highlights the invaluable work being done by the Sub Zero Mission and the MVHO Street Outreach team to save lives and provide essential support to the homeless community. Together, they are making a significant impact in the fight against homelessness and ensuring that no one has to face the elements alone.

MVHO extends its deepest gratitude to the Sub Zero Mission for their unwavering commitment to assisting those in need, and to the Street Outreach team for their continued dedication to serving and protecting our most vulnerable neighbors.

 

Sinclair Social Work Club Donates 420 Winter Warming Kits to MVHO Outreach Team

On Tuesday, February 11, Miami Valley Housing Opportunities (MVHO) received a generous donation from the Sinclair Social Work Club, who delivered over 420 winter warming kits for those in need. The kits, packed with essential winter gear, were handed over to MVHO’s Outreach Team for distribution to individuals in the homeless population facing harsh cold temperatures and limited access to warm clothing.

The thoughtfully assembled kits include hats, socks, gloves, hand warmers, and other vital items to help individuals better endure the winter elements. This donation not only provides immediate relief to those affected by the cold but also serves as a reminder of the power of community collaboration in addressing homelessness and supporting our most vulnerable populations.

MVHO is deeply grateful to the Sinclair Social Work Club for their ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in the Dayton community. The winter warming kits will be distributed throughout the area to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness have access to essential supplies during these extreme weather conditions.

This act of kindness demonstrates the importance of community partners working together to provide resources and support to those in need. MVHO continues to rely on the generous efforts of organizations and individuals who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our residents and the greater community.

If you would like to donate to MVHO, please visit our website at www.mvho.org

Mayor Jeffrey Mims, Jr. Visits MVHO

MVHO CEO Debbie Watts Robinson and staff were honored to have City of Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims, Jr. visit MVHO facilities today. Thank you, Mayor Mims!

Change is Good!

LeRoy sighed relief when MVHO property manager DeLisa Herring gave him the keys to his apartment. He was homeless, and the eviction on his record made him ineligible for some housing options. MVHO gave him an opportunity, and LeRoy said he could not have found a better place to live.

At 76 years old, LeRoy talked about life’s challenges. He said he prayed for strength to overcome the drug problem that led to incarceration and homelessness upon release. He spent three and a half weeks in the ICU because of a COVID infection that resulted in a brush with death and lingering respiratory problems.

Drug-free and stably housed, LeRoy was philosophical about the turn of events. He said change is good and that he spends his time on simple pleasures, church, and relaxing at home. He appreciates where he is now, and DeLisa said he is a model tenant.

Handing Out Water During the Heat Wave

MVHO PATH is handing out water to persons living on the streets to help them stay hydrated during this heat wave. We can’t say enough great things about the MVHO outreach team!

Love is a Verb

Love is a Verb is supplying Love Bins filled with toiletries and other supplies for Project Clean.  MVHO is grateful for this fantastic community partner.  We enjoyed a site visit from Liz, Brandon, and Founder Nicole Weaver.

Recovery Community Opportunity

Residents in active recovery and the recovery community are invited to join MVHO and Greater West Dayton Incubator at the Montgomery Co. Business Solutions Center on June 16th at 6 PM to learn about resources for entrepreneurship.

MVHO Chosen as Host Organization for The Dayton Foundation Del Mar Encore Fellows Initiative

Miami Valley Housing Opportunities has been chosen as a Host Organization for a Del Mar Encore Fellow and seeking applicants! This initiative of The Dayton Foundation deploys highly skilled older adults into the community to work as Fellows on significant issues. The one-year part-time position with MVHO will explore possibilities and challenges in providing stable, affordable housing for emerging vulnerable populations in the Dayton region. The closing date to apply is June 17, 2022. For details, please visit https://mvho.org/about-mvho/employment-opportunities/.  MVHO is grateful to the DMH-Dayton, Inc. Fund of The Dayton Foundation for making this initiative possible. https://www.daytonfoundation.org/delmarencore.html

William’s Success!

At age 55, William is excited about being able to file a tax return for the very first time! This new chapter in his life began after his release from prison in 2021. Denied housing due to his criminal background, the Community Transition Program (CTP) offered the support he needed. MVHO Reentry Program Director Penney and Case Managers Sherrita and Darren assisted him with CTP services, including locating his housing.

William was overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to participate in CTP because it gave him a glimpse of what he could achieve. Before his incarceration, he sold drugs, but now he never wants to go back to that life. Obtaining employment has given him a sense of peace and self-respect.

“This is just the beginning. I look forward to going to work every day, no matter how tired I am. For my remaining time, I want to have a good life. I want to purchase a home. I want to be there for my grandchildren. Tell Ms. Penney she saved my life!”

More about MVHO Reentry programs https://mvho.org/programs/rental-assistance/re-entry/

Project Clean is Open for the Season!

Project Clean is up and running for the season! This Hope in Motion mobile unit provides laundry and shower services for individuals living on the streets. MVHO outreach team members Kimo (l) and TJ (r) are there to help.