MIAMI VALLEY HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

Fall 2021

From the CEO - Debbie Watts Robinson 

Dear Friends of MVHO,

As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary, an anniversary often commemorated with the pearl, we reflect on the many ways we have had the opportunity to serve our community’s most vulnerable citizens with dignity.  Today, MVHO houses nearly 1,200 homeless and disabled individuals and families in safe, stable, and affordable homes. We are grateful to our funders, partners, and friends who have helped us these past 30 years.

As I reflect on the significance of our 30 years in this community, I am proud MVHO has been a “pearl” for this community.  A beautiful pearl begins as a grain of sand and over time provides timeless luster and beauty for all to see. From very humble beginnings, MVHO has evolved into an organization with many facets aimed at helping people have a Home. We thank this community for your support, and we see an even brighter future. As we look at the next 30 years, we are confident MVHO’s best days are yet to come!

All the best, 

Debbie

MVHO Board Member Spotlight

Former Chair and the current Treasurer, Jim Stuart, has filled nearly every key role in his eight years of tenure on the MVHO Board of Trustees.  “I served on the board at Dayton Boys and Girls Club for a number of years, and I was ready for a new challenge.  I was familiar with MVHO CEO Debbie Watts Robinson and asked her if MVHO needed board members.  It’s been a great experience. The quality of the people in the organization and their dedication to the mission is phenomenal. Over my time on the board, the growth of the organization has been tremendous,” said Jim.

Jim is just as impressive on a professional level.  He is a Financial Advisor and Senior Partner with Washington Park Financial Group in Centerville. Jim, a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a degree in Accounting, earned his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation through The American College. As a ChFC, he assists individuals, professionals, and small business owners with planning needs. Jim’s achievements with broker dealer Equitable Advisors include being a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, the President’s Cabinet, and a member of the Equitable Hall of Fame.

As a lifetime Dayton area resident, Jim believes it is critical to give back to the community. We are grateful for Jim’s many years of service to MVHO. He’s played an instrumental role in guiding our mission with his insights and expertise. His contributions as a board member have been integral to many of the advances at MVHO.  Thank you, Jim!

Jim Stuart, Treasurer, MVHO Board of Trustees

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

- Mahatma Gandhi

This Volunteer is All About Giving Back

For seven years, Debby Schafer has volunteered at MVHO. With a cheerful smile, Debby said she likes folding clothes and organizing the homeless outreach storage room. Her eye for detail and organizational skills make it easy for staff to inventory the room and grab supplies in a flash.  “I’ve always believed in giving back as a volunteer, and I know my work here frees up the staff to do what they need to do. I am available to help out where needed.”

“Deb’s fantastic! We can always count on her,” said Heather, Homeless Outreach Director. Thank you, Debby, for being our rock star volunteer! 

Volunteer Debby Schafer 

Your Generous Spirit Changes Lives

Having access to household cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products improves the lives of our tenants. "Last month, we had the best inspections on record!" said MVHO Property Manager Daisy. "The tenants attributed the improvement to having access to cleaning supplies to keep their units tidy." 

Our tenants appreciate having access to laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaner, trash bags, body wash, shampoo, and toothpaste!  A donation of $30 provides a tenant with three months of cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products. 

Your gift for the 30th Anniversary Campaign or where it is needed most helps MVHO to meet the housing needs of vulnerable citizens. Please consider making your donation a recurring gift!

A Walk in the Park 

Life’s not always a walk in the park unless you are with MVHO Peer Support Specialist Jeffrey!  His social engagement activities in nature are a healthy stress reliever for the men living in MVHO permanent supportive housing. Jeffrey teaches that simply listening for the sounds of birds or the wind as it blows through the trees encourages them to gain and see the value of a higher level of self-care. Way to go, Jeffrey!

MVHO Peer Support Specialist Jeffrey (center) takes tenants on an outing at the park 

It's Working Out

MVHO Case manager Stephen loves what he is doing, and we do too! When asked why he converted a big part of his small-ish office to a gym for the tenants, Stephen said he wanted the tenants to be more active. “I thought I’d use myself as an example. I am losing weight by exercising, packing lunch, and eating healthier. I tell the guys that you can change things if you want to. I brought in exercise equipment and a football from home, and my mom donated the exercise bike.”  

This is all is a part of Stephen's bigger plan to offer more tenant engagement opportunities. “I want them to have activities that improve their well-being and mental health. I want to take the tenants to offsite activities, but I don’t have the means for transporting more than a couple at a time.”  Because of Stephen’s dedication as a case manager, the tenants have more options to live a healthier lifestyle. 

MVHO needs a passenger van to transport the tenants to activities.  If you or anyone you know would like to donate a van or make a monetary donation, contact Rebecca DeLong, 937-263-4449 ext. 415.

Reentry Success Story

Mark has been a client since 2013 through the participation of MVHO in the Returning Home Ohio (RHO) reentry program. RHO is a permanent supportive housing program for persons released from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections who are at risk of homelessness and identified with mental illness or HIV diagnosis. The ultimate goal of the reentry program is successful reintegration into the community.

Mark received guidance to achieve his goals from both his Case Manager Rose and Reentry Program Director, Penney. Mark has housing, employment, and six classes left to reach his dream of an electrical engineering degree.  “Mark is truly a success story!” said Penney. 

More about MVHO Reentry programs

Reentry Program Director Penney (l), Mark (c), and Reentry Case Manager Rose (r)

GivingTuesday is November 30th 

GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it's grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Support MVHO with your GivingTuesday gift!

Support MVHO When You Shop

It's easy to support MVHO as you shop for the holidays on Amazon or at Kroger and Dorothy Lane Market, Sign up today and make MVHO your charity of choice!