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Miami Valley Housing Opportunities |
Working to meet the housing needs of vulnerable citizens in our community. |
A Community where Everyone has a place to call HOME. |
THOUGHTS FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR- Debbie Watts Robinson |
Dear Friends of MVHO,
Spring!! What a beautiful time of year! It brings warmth after the winter and renews our hope for newness, freshness, and growth. MVHO is poised to spring into action as we are forming new partnerships and launching new initiatives to provide homes to more homeless individuals. We are serving our most vulnerable citizens by opening Project Clean for a 3rd year, providing the opportunity for our street homeless to be clean, get meals, and have clean clothes. We are working to provide more assistance for our neighbors who live on the streets. Recent events have highlighted the need for specialized solutions to meet their needs. Every time MVHO meets the housing needs of vulnerable citizens in our community, there is an opportunity for a fresh start and hope for their future.
We also believe that we create a stronger community when we lift our vulnerable citizens. People suffering from mental illness or addiction living in the streets, in shelters, or exiting incarceration from prison or jail often face a cycle of despair that is difficult to break out of without assistance and guidance. Your financial support helps us provide safe, affordable, supportive, permanent housing and supplies for their basic needs. We know housing alone will not end homelessness. We need your help to provide support that lets vulnerable citizens know they matter and that as an organization and as a community, we care. Together we can help the homeless have a home as we work toward our Vision, “A Community where Everyone has a place to call HOME”. Please consider a gift today! All the best, Debbie |
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Jessley Made Something, Out of Nothing!
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"She is the epitome of taking unpleasant circumstances and turning them around for the good of herself and others" -Chrystal, RC II Property Manager |
Jessley became a tenant at River Commons II in May of 2022 and has overcome many obstacles. Formerly homeless without any income or hope for her future, Jessley had become depressed and believed that she wouldn't ever achieve anything worth working hard for. After obtaining housing, Jessley faced difficulties taking responsibility of herself and her unit. Due to living on the streets in the past, things such as maintaining a clean home and coping with emotional stress were a challenge for her. Jessley did not allow those struggles or minor pitfalls stop her from reaching her goals.
Over the course of 11 months, Jessley has worked her way up from a crew member at Burger King, to a manger at the hospital, assisting patients with physical needs. Once Jessley was able to establish steady income, she began to pay her rent on time and without any reminders from property or case management. She also learned how to maintain a neat and clean unit. When her very first home inspection was conducted she did not pass. After the advice given by MVHO staff and case management, she now passes her inspections with flying colors.
We are so proud of Jessley because even when she was at her lowest, she did not give up and kept going to achieve the goals she never thought she could. We are happy to have her as a tenant and hope that her story will motivate other young adults by letting them know that there is help. When you take advantage of the opportunities given, you too can achieve anything you set your mind to. |
A Father and Son Holding Each Other Accountable for a Better Life |
"God and Good Shepherd (Ministries) saved my life" –David |
Pictured: David (far right) and Ben (far left) |
It was a year ago that David and Ben were in the midst of addiction. They were drinking together everyday and barely making ends meet. David and his son, Ben, would feed off each other both drinking and using drugs on a daily basis. Many people don't realize when drinking alcohol everyday, the many side effects and health issues that can occur. One night, Ben was experiencing severe stomach pains and was rushed to the hospital. Thank God they got him there quickly because his pancreas exploded! After rushing him to the emergency room, he was then placed in ICU. Ben was in a coma for five months and in the hospital for a total of nine months. Many did not think he would make it. During this time, his father David continued drinking due to depression and the fear of possibly losing his son. Ben pulled through but had a long road of recovery ahead of him. After spending months in therapy and recovering from his operations, Ben convinced his father to go to treatment with him at Woodhaven. Ben was told by doctors that if he were to drink again, he would die! Ben has since then, been on a mission to keep his dad and himself sober. He completed his treatment at Woodhaven in 90 days, and was released ahead of his father. They had only seen each other a couple of times during treatment due to confidentiality rules. Ben struggled with anger while at Good Shepherd without his father so he was moved to another recovery program to address his mental health. After three months of mental health treatment, Ben and David were reunited and live together at the Recovery Home.
They hold each other accountable in their recovery and both celebrated one year clean through all the trials and tribulations. Neither of them thought they would be sober today; they thought they'd be either dead or in jail. David has been working to get his child support caught up and get his driver's license after years without them. Thanks to a great supporter who donated a vehicle, David now has his own vehicle. Ben is in the process of getting his obtaining his license for the first time, following in his fathers footsteps. They are now back to spending time with their family. They are huge Baltimore Ravens fans and are planning a trip to the Football Hall of Fame. They have both reconnected spiritually with God while attending the ISP Retreat at Bergamo. They thank God every day for life and sobriety.
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Introducing the River Commons II |
River Bucks are an incentive to motivate tenants to become more proactive in caring for their needs, health and housing to generate a growing community that is clean, safe and secure.
With the population we serve, the tenants needs are not always met with the benefits or income they receive. To better address the household needs and well-being of our tenants, the River Commons II River Mart was created. River Mart is a store where tenants can come and purchase household items such as trash bags, laundry detergent, dish detergent, disinfectant sprays, fabuloso, lotions, deodorant, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body towels and wash cloths, other toiletries, small appliances and other household items!
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Pictured: Items available for purchase at the River Mart. |
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In order for the tenant to be able to purchase any of these items, they have to acquire River Bucks. The River Bucks are in printed in increments of $1, $5, $10 and $20. All items are priced between $1-$20 and the store is open twice a month on Thursdays and. |
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River Bucks cannot be used to offset tenant rent or for anything monetarily owed by tenant. There are a number of ways River Bucks can be earned and these include: - Paying rent on time each month.
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Passing housing inspections.
- Attending scheduled case conferences with case management.
- Helping maintenance with light jobs.
- Assisting with the upkeep of building inside/outside.
- Being a good neighbor/tenant.
- Keeping trash room clean by bagging trash and not solely relying on trash chute.
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Assisting their neighbors with their needs.
- No incident reports
- Following the River Commons II Visitor Policy.
These incentives have directly contributed to the safety, cleanliness and security of the building. It has also helped fulfill the tenants household needs. River Commons will continue to serve those in need and are always willing to lend a helping hand. |
On March 8 2023, a major house fire on North Broadway Street in Dayton, claimed the lives of five individuals. We were sad to learn that the victims were clients working closely with MVHO's PATH Outreach Team. Miami Valley Housing Opportunities entire staff is disheartened by the tragedy and would like to offer our most sincerest condolences to the victims, their loved ones and our Outreach team. On April 17, 2023, Miami Valley Housing Opportunities staff, community clergymen and community members gathered at The Opportunity Center to commemorate the lives of: - Andrew Miller
- Christopher Hermann
- Laura Sears
- Brittany Lee Alsup, and
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Chrisinda Jo Ray Freeman
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We would like to thank anyone that took time out of their day to attend the Memorial and for the ongoing love and support that has been poured out.
"This is a reminder of the need for more affordable housing and services in our community. We should never forget the importance of our work. God has given us the opportunity to serve some of the most vulnerable citizens in our community. There are so many people who need us. I know our work is hard at times, but we must keep working to serve those in need." -Debbie Watts Robinson, MVHO CEO |
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Pictured: MVHO staff, Community leaders, Family and Friends of the victims gathered at The Opportunity Center in honor of the lives lost. |
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GET TO KNOW OUR STAFF AND BOARD |
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Jane McEwen, MVHO Board of Trustees |
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Jane has developed mentoring, afterschool and government programs from grass roots to success! With over 25-year experience as a consultant, she’s developed e-Mentoring programs for Sinclair Community College, churches, organizations and school districts throughout Montgomery County, Ohio. Jane provided workshops at MENTOR National Mentoring Summit, Sinclair Community College and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) National Mentoring Symposium and National Dropout Prevention Conference. Jane’s excellent communication skills and supportive, passionate, and respectful approach have earned her the highest evaluations as a trainer and facilitator. Jane has launched and managed several federal, state and local grants; including The Mentoring Collaborative of Montgomery County AmeriCorps Program (eight years); growing from 20 to 30 members serving in 12 partner agencies within Montgomery County. Jane’s leadership recognized The Mentoring Collaborative as finalist for 2021 Better Business Bureau Prestigious Integrity Eclipse Award and Better Business Bureau® as Finalist for Torch Awards for Ethics. She is a Dropout Prevention Specialist, Trauma Skilled Specialist and Art Consultant. She was a finalist for WDTN Dayton’s 2020 Remarkable Women Award. Jane was recognized as an honoree for ALH (A Loving Heart) Community Champion and Sinclair Community College 31 Days of Women Awards.
Recently retired, Jane served as the AmeriCorps Project Manager and Manager for The Mentoring Collaborative of Montgomery County under the Student Enrichment Services division of Sinclair Community College. Currently pursuing a Pre-doctoral of Ministry at United Theological Seminary; she received a Bachelor’s of General Studies – Indiana University and Master of Business Administration/Global Management – University of Phoenix. As Founder/Executive Director of PALS (Positive Parenting and Life Skills) she provided leadership and programming for Dayton’s inner city young moms (seven years) support group. She served as the Director for New City School 21st Century Afterschool Program serving over 100 children in the community of Dayton, Ohio. As an art consultant Jane is Founder and Co-owner of J & J Ethnic Arts and a consultant for McEwen and Associates. She’s served on numerous boards, currently Miami Valley Housing Opportunity Center and Miami Valley Leadership Foundation. A Woman of Faith and married to the love of her life Jim (over 25 years) they enjoy traveling, gardening and sharing time with a blended family of six children, nine grandchildren and the family matriarch Mother Willie Mae Frison.
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Andy Altenburg, PATH Outreach Specialist |
In 2019, I returned to full-time employment in the social work field joining the MVHO PATH team following a 10-year hiatus spent as a stay-at-home dad, helping to raise a son (now 18) and daughter (now 15).
Prior to coming to Dayton, I previously worked in Chicago, Illinois, as an elementary/junior high school teacher (for 10 years) before joining a clinical team at a HUD funded 55-unit supportive housing program reaching out to clients in their apartments and providing supportive services.
All tenants in this building met eligibility requirements prior to moving in which included street homelessness, severe persistent mental illnesses (SPMIs), and co-occurring substance use disorders. Staff provided Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) and it was working in this environment that provided the catalyst to find similarly focused employment in Dayton. Joining the PATH team at MVHO has continued to allow me to accommodate a desire to work with people who are struggling to navigate through life’s challenges while meeting basic needs like obtaining food, clothing, and shelter.
During the span of four years I’ve spent with the PATH team, it’s been a privilege to work with the entire MVHO team (and with like-minded colleagues/providers with other agencies) working toward mutual goals of meeting vulnerable clients’ needs, with an eye toward positive outcomes.
Additionally, it’s been therapeutic to have a group of caring and knowledgeable colleagues who experience both the joys and sometimes the overwhelming challenges and sorrows in this work, and encourage one to move forward focusing on meeting clients wherever they are and moving forward. Looking forward to moving forward with MVHO! -Andy |
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We Could Not Do This Without YOU! |
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Your donations allow us to advance our efforts in providing our clients and tenants with items such as; cleaning and hygiene products, cookware, bedding, furniture and other essential needs. With your generosity, we are able to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable persons with little to no income. |
In this season we would like to help our tenants and clients kick-off their Spring Cleaning with our Spring Cleaning Campaign! |
We sincerely thank YOU, for your contributions and helping the homeless have a place called HOME! |
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Miami Valley Housing Opportunities is Hiring! Join our team and make a difference!
MVHO provides a compassionate and professional environment while working to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people in our community. We are hiring several positions and looking for qualified candidates to join our team.
To inquire about openings and to apply, click the button below. |
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It's easy to support MVHO each time you shop at Kroger and Dorothy Lane Market Sign up today to make MVHO your charity of choice! |
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