MIAMI VALLEY HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

March 2022

From the CEO - Debbie Watts Robinson

Dear Friends of MVHO,

There is no getting around it. These are extraordinary times.

When the COVID pandemic continued into 2021, MVHO leaped into action to provide regular services and pandemic-related ones. The organization pivoted when it saw unmet everyday needs for the 1,200 vulnerable citizens in MVHO programs. It was an opportunity to provide stability during uncertainty. The generous donations from the community allowed MVHO to supply the persons entrusted to our care with essential needs, including cleaning supplies and personal care products.

MVHO pivots once again, but this time to another new normal. A constant is the certainty that helping the homeless have a Home is essential to building a stronger community. MVHO is proud to provide safe, stable, and affordable permanent supportive housing solutions.

But the reality of the lingering effects of the pandemic and upheaval in world events on the economy results in additional expenses for MVHO. The cost of supplies to maintain MVHO housing has significantly increased. We also know that providing essentials for our tenants with little income is a necessity, not a luxury. When you support MVHO with a gift, you help create a community where everyone has an opportunity to have a place called Home. Thank you, in advance, for your support of MVHO!

All the best,

Debbie

MVHO Earns BBB Accreditation

As a BBB Accredited Charity, Miami Valley Housing Opportunities is dedicated to ethics, public accountability, and transparency.

"We are proud to have met the BBB's high standards and excited to be part of an organization that exists so donors and nonprofits alike have an unbiased source to guide them on matters of trust," said Debbie Watts Robinson, CEO.

Success Comes in Many Forms

Shelter + Care Tenant Specialist, Michael Washington

Written by Michael Washington

Sarah* opened her eyes and looked up at the roof of her car. Her worldly belongings were either in the trunk or surrounding her in the back seat for warmth. Sarah was at her rock bottom of what she thought was a no-way-out situation.

Like many of us, Sarah never contemplated her path in life taking this detour. It began with the unexpected passing of her remaining parent. Sarah felt alone and things started to suffer in her life. With no family support and untreated depression with PTSD, she lost her employment and apartment within a year.

The day Sarah entered the homeless shelter seemed like the darkest day of her life. She was broken and searching for a glimmer of hope. An assessment of her needs and disabilities determined she may be eligible for Shelter Plus Care (S+C). This federally funded program provides rental assistance for homeless people with disabilities, primarily those with mental illness, chronic problems with alcohol and/or drugs, AIDS, and other related diseases. Participants must meet the HUD low-income guidelines.

The name itself hints at the purpose: Shelter plus the Care that goes along with it. MVHO manages the program subsidies in Montgomery County and oversees the connections to housing. Nearly 500 persons are served. MVHO S+C Specialists Michael, Bob, and Mack conduct ongoing housing inspections to ensure all the units meet safety and cleanliness standards. Social service providers link tenants to resources to help them navigate the complexities of living with a disability.

Sarah’s referral application landed on the desk of Pam Hinders, MVHO Rental Assistance Director. Within a few weeks, Sarah was looking for an apartment. She now had hope!

On the day of her lease signing, Sarah stood with MVHO staff, her case manager, and her new landlord, all there to usher in a new phase in her life. A resetting of sorts, she knew this support would allow her to springboard back into life.

What is the result? Success comes in many forms. Some tenants gain the financial resources and a level of independence to leave the program and move to market-rate housing. For others, like Sarah, their success is equally as meaningful. The program ensures they have safe and affordable housing as they continue their journey toward improved independence. Often the tenants are engaging in mental health or addiction treatment, working to repair family relationships, or gaining skills for employment. Simply put, they find peace.

*Sarah’s name was changed.

This Little Light of Mine

MVHO tenant, Carolyn, never hesitates to give back

Carolyn has been a MVHO tenant since 2012. After her dad's passing in 2021, Carolyn received a small inheritance and generously purchased specialty items for her building’s food pantry. Ice cream, popsicles, sugar, flour, butter, eggs, grapes, nuts, and pies were just some of the treats. “My dad taught me to give back, and God has blessed me in so many ways. I wanted to do something to honor God and my dad. MVHO gave me a home when I had none. MVHO Property Director, Daisy, does so many wonderful things for all of us. And, I wanted to do something for the tenants because they have supported me in my time of need," said Carolyn.

"My dad volunteered with his church and at a local nursing home. He was always singing This Little Light of Mine, and I’ve been humming that tune for weeks.” Thank you, Carolyn, for being a light for MVHO!

Outreach Spotlight

MVHO Outreach Team

(l to r) Sierra, TJ, Andy, Kimo, Amy, Olivia, and Heather

Our community is a better place because of the MVHO outreach team!

Heather Wilson, MVHO Program Services Director of PATH, Streetlink, and SLATE, reported these programs are the busiest they have ever been! Their combined efforts can save the lives of persons living on the streets with severe mental illnesses or a dual diagnosis with addiction issues.

Andy, PATH Outreach Specialist, said they have a passion for helping folks who have burned all their bridges. No matter the weather, you will find Andy, Sierra, and Kimo out on the streets or in places not fit for human habitation. Meeting the clients where they are means the PATH team has a better chance of connecting them to resources to move them from street homeless to a home. Amy assists the PATH team by taking essentials to the clients, including sleeping bags, blankets, food, and coats. Amy also attends to outreach clients at Project Clean, the mobile shower and laundry operated by MVHO in partnership with Five Rivers Health Care and the ADAMHS Board of Montgomery County.

The Streetlink program offers the resources to connect overdose victims to treatment. TJ said he is always ready to help anyone wanting to enter treatment. The client referrals may come from the homeless shelters, PATH, or other community providers. Given there are new options available in our community for treatment, TJ has more resources to share with those willing to seek treatment.

Olivia explained that SLATE is a 9-month program for chronically homeless clients once they are in housing. The clients have high barriers with severe mental illness. Many of them have several evictions on their records. Olivia said the intensive case management she provides through this program helps improve housing stability. She also acts as the liaison between the tenant and landlord.

“I am proud of the work we do!” said Heather.

Beyond the Walls

MVHO Reentry Program Director, Penney Kramer

Penney Kramer, MVHO Reentry Program Director, believes hope is the strongest, most freeing gift you can give someone. For three years, Penney worked tirelessly to develop a new program, Beyond the Walls, to provide housing resources to individuals with mental health who are being released homeless from the Montgomery County jail. This new program will serve fifteen persons in 2022.

“Beyond the Walls is something I’m quite proud of and it has a lot of potential for growth. This vision can truly reduce homelessness by offering needed housing and support! The program name has a special meaning for me. I believe no one should ever feel worthless or undeserving just because they were once bound by four walls,” said Penney. MVHO is proud to have Penney on our team!

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness

- Desmond Tutu

Restoration Housing

Tenant Operations (l to r) Johna, Andrea, andTory (not pictured - Charles)

More than a year ago, it was hard to visualize how much work would go into moving fifty-four families across sixteen buildings into temporary housing during the renovation of MVHO-owned housing. Andrea McGriff, Tenant Operations Director, attended bi-weekly project management meetings to monitor progress and did a great job overseeing the people-side of this massive project.

"We placed the tenants in private landlord housing for a minimum of six months," said Andrea. "Tenant Services Specialists, Charles, Tory, and Johna, did a fantastic job regularly meeting with tenants while helping them through the entire process alleviating the stressors associated with moving out and moving back. The tenants love their new homes!"

General Franklin Ribbon Cutting

Debbie Watts Robinson, CEO, does the honors of cutting the ribbon

The ribbon-cutting at General Franking celebrated 5-years of planning, hard work, and coordination to achieve this milestone. Thirty-eight MVHO tenants are calling this newly renovated historic building on the VA campus home.

Thank you to everyone who attended the November 12, 2021 event, including our special guest speakers: U.S. Congressman Michael Turner, Oberer Companies CEO George Oberer, Jr., Montgomery County Commissioner Carolyn Rice, OCCH VP Elizabeth Long, OHFA Dir. of Legislative Affairs Guy Ford, Dayton VA Medical Center Assoc. Director Dr. Jennifer DeFrancesco, FHLB Cincinnati First VP Public Affairs Melissa Dallas, Huntington Dayton Community President Scott MacDonald, MVHO Board of Trustees Chair Tracy Dudley, and our very own CEO Debbie Watts Robinson.