Did you know October is National Book Month? As if we needed another reason to spend these autumn days cozied up in front of a fireplace with a cup of coffee and a good book! If you’re searching for a new read, check out our team’s latest recommendations for some moving and motivating stories about home, hunger, and hope. BCHG Recommends: No Way Home: The Crisis of Homelessness and How to Fix It with Intelligence and Humanity by Christopher F. Rufo, Wayne H. Winegarden, Joseph Tartakovsky, and Kerry Jackson – “This book examines the causes of homelessness with a focus on unaffordable housing, poverty, mental illness, substance addiction, and legal reform.” Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a collection of stories which examine the way humans interact with the natural world. The Poverty Paradox by Mark Robert Rank delves into why the wealthiest country in the world (the United States) also has the highest rate of poverty among industrialized countries and offers solutions on what we can do about it. Changing the Face of Hunger by Tony Hall – “Hall’s book describes his humanitarian efforts in Ethiopia, where he saw world hunger up close, and his attempts to bring the problem to the attention of those in Washington, advocating for those who have no voice in global politics.” Cooking with Scraps by Lindsay-Jean Hard provides easy-to-follow recipes using scraps most of us have in our kitchens, offering insight into ways to cook more with less. We encourage you to explore the offerings at your local Bucks County Free Library – their website provides up-to-date information on their current stock and availability, allowing you to easily embark on a reading adventure this National Book Month. So, as the autumn leaves fall and the air turns crisper, let these books be your companions, guiding you through stories that inspire, provoke thought, and perhaps even change the way you view the world. Spread the word(s): Read one of these books, or find another book that inspires you to fight against hunger and homelessness? Share a photo on Instagram and tag us for a chance to be featured on our page! Don’t forget to follow us @BucksCountyHousingGroup. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bucks County Housing Group (@buckscountyhousinggroup) Happy reading! BCHG Homepage Written By: Hannah Borish
How Your Support Transforms Lives at Bucks County Housing Group At Bucks County Housing Group, we’re excited to share with you the incredible impact of your generous donations. Your support has been pivotal in changing lives, and we want to give you a glimpse of how we put your donations to work and how they are making a tangible difference in our community. 1. Filling Plates and Hearts: The Food Program Your support has ensured that no one in our community goes to bed hungry. With your help, we’ve been able to purchase nutritious food to sustain our food program, providing a lifeline for individuals and families facing food insecurity. Your generosity goes beyond filling plates; it fills hearts with hope. We’re able to leverage your donations to fill our pantries with healthy produce, pantry staples, and allergen-friendly options. 2. Turning Houses into Homes: Essential Household Supplies Imagine starting anew with nothing but the clothes on your back. Your donations have made it possible for us to provide clients in our housing program with essential household supplies to get them started as they stabilize. From toiletries to bedding and kitchenware, your contributions empower individuals and families to transform their living situations, turning houses into comfortable homes. Additionally, our Apartment Partners program provides essential furniture and unforeseen expense help to our client families. 3. Play and Laughter for Children: A New Playset and More Our youngest clients have reason to smile, thanks to your donations at work. We installed a new playset for children within our housing program thanks to a generous fundraiser from our community, bringing joy and laughter to their lives. This small act has had a significant impact, offering a sense of normalcy during challenging times. In addition, your support has provided supplies for our community building program to host holiday parties, homework help, and community days to aid in bringing a sense of camaraderie and support among our housing clients. 4. Cultivating Hope through Community Gardens Gardens are places of growth, not just for plants but for people too. Your support has allowed us to provide seeds and materials for our community gardens, enabling clients to cultivate fresh produce and gain valuable skills. Because of your help, our gardens nourish both bodies and spirits while fostering a sense of community and empowerment. 5. Beyond the Examples: A Broader Impact Your support extends far beyond the specific examples mentioned. Because of your support, we have been able to provide shelter, offer case management services, and host educational workshops. These services are instrumental in helping our clients find stable housing, overcome challenges, and work toward self-sufficiency. The Ripple Effect: How Your Donations Transform Lives The impact of your generosity goes beyond immediate assistance; we put your donations to work to make lasting changes in Bucks County and our clients’ lives. Clients who receive support during difficult times are better equipped to tackle challenges and work towards self-sufficiency. Your contributions fill them with hope and empowerment, impacting every aspect of their lives and creating a brighter future for them and their families. In closing, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment to our mission. Your support, whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or advocacy, is truly making a difference. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. As we continue this journey of transformation, we look forward to the positive changes your kindness and compassion will bring. Thank you for being a vital part of this life-changing work.
At Bucks County Housing Group, we understand that navigating the complexities of disability benefit income programs can be daunting, especially for those facing homelessness and serious health challenges, and we’re dedicated to breaking down these barriers and helping those in need access the assistance they deserve. One way we do this is through SOAR. What is SOAR? SOAR, which stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery, is a program funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SOAR is a lifeline for eligible adults and children who are either experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness and who also grapple with serious mental illness, medical impairments, and/or co-occurring substance use disorders. Our dedicated SOAR Benefits Specialist, funded by the Bucks County Housing and Community Development Department, is here to guide qualified individuals through the application process for disability benefit income programs. Simplifying the Application Process Applying for disability benefit income programs can be an arduous process. SOAR aims to simplify and streamline this process significantly. Applications submitted through SOAR not only receive expedited processing but are also crafted to present a more comprehensive view of the applicant, increasing the chance of approval. Our specialist becomes the applicant’s point of contact throughout the process, providing guidance every step of the way. Who is Eligible for SOAR Benefits? To be eligible, an individual must meet the following criteria: Experiencing homelessness, as defined by HUD, which includes:Being literally homeless Exiting an institution after less than 90 days Being at risk of homelessness within 14 days Diagnosed with a serious mental or physical illness, characterized by:12 months of symptoms Continued symptoms despite treatments Unable to work at a substantial level due to illness How to Get Started If you are a professional and believe a client of yours qualifies for SOAR benefits, you can take these steps to help them access the program: Review the Identifying SOAR Applicants sheet Contact Social Security to check if the client already has an application in process or appeal Complete the Bucks County CoC Referral Application Submit completed referrals to SOAR@bchg.org Get in Touch If you have any questions about SOAR benefits, the referral process, or need a copy of the Referral Application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our specialist at SOAR@bchg.org. We’re here to help you help our community members regain stability in their lives. BCHG Homepage Written by: Laura Ferreri
Introduction Have you been wondering “What are volunteer opportunities near me?” or “How can I get involved in my community?” Look no further! Bucks County Housing Group (BCHG) is working steadfastly to close the door on hunger and homelessness. Our mission depends on the invaluable contributions and support from individuals like you, who want to make a difference in their community. In this blog, we will shed light on how you can get involved with BCHG and play a pivotal role in turning our shared vision into reality. Understanding BCHG Before embarking on your journey of involvement, we encourage you to delve into the heart of Bucks County Housing Group. Explore our website, familiarize yourself with the needs in our area, peruse our social media, and acquaint yourself with our diverse range of services. This foundational knowledge will empower you to engage effectively and align with our vision. Volunteer Opportunities BCHG operates on the dedication and passion of volunteers who are the backbone of our organization. Volunteering offers an opportunity to directly contribute to our mission. Here are some of the volunteer opportunities you can explore: a. Food Pantries: Lend your time and compassion to our food pantries, where you can provide crucial support to individuals and families facing food insecurity. b. Community Gardens: Make a tangible impact by volunteering at one of our community garden locations, helping individuals access and grow fresh produce. c. Administrative Assistance: Offer your skills in areas like data entry or office management to help facilitate the smooth operation of BCHG. d. Other Opportunities: We are always looking for ways that community members can contribute their skillsets to our mission. If you have an idea for a volunteer partnership, let us know! Financial Contributions If your schedule doesn’t permit regular volunteering, we invite you to consider making a financial contribution. Your donation significantly supports BCHG’s programs and services. We offer various giving options, including one-time donations, monthly contributions, and support for specific fundraising campaigns. Advocacy Amplify your voice in support of food security and housing issues in Bucks County. Advocate for initiatives that address the root causes of homelessness and endorse affordable housing solutions. Attend community meetings and become a voice for change in Bucks County. Organize a Fundraiser or Drive Harness your community spirit by organizing a fundraiser or donation drive within your network. Events like food drives, cleaning supply drives, and group fundraising can raise both awareness and resources for BCHG, making a considerable difference. Questions about holding a drive? Email amcgill@bchg.org. Spread the Word Help BCHG’s mission reach new heights by promoting it on social media, within your local community, and among friends and family. Sharing our success stories, events, and volunteer opportunities can draw more support and volunteers to our cause. Conclusion Bucks County Housing Group stands as a beacon of hope in addressing hunger and homelessness in Bucks County. Your involvement through volunteering, donations, advocacy, or event organization is invaluable to our mission. Every action, no matter how small, creates a ripple effect of positive change in the lives of those in need. Join us today and be a part of the solution with BCHG, for together, we create a stronger and more compassionate community. Written by: Amanda McGill
Hello! My name is Dominic DiFrancesco. This summer, I had the great fortune of working as a summer intern in the Marketing and Development Department of Bucks County Housing Group under the leadership of Amanda McGill. I am a rising second-year student studying Marketing at the Smeal College of Business and Vocal Performance at the College of Arts and Architecture at the Pennsylvania State University, University Park (“main”) Campus. I am also a member of the Schreyer Honors College and Penn State’s Presidential Leadership Academy. Ultimately, pairing my majors, I want to work in entertainment marketing and public relations. During my time at Bucks County Housing Group, I worked on social media, contributing to posts on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. I worked toward the shared goal of growing engagement on these accounts as social media has become one of the most critical channels for effectively reaching audiences, raising awareness about BCHG’s mission, and garnering support (monetary or otherwise) to drive greater impact and success. I collaborated with other departments, and I worked on several projects including a keywords research project that delved into what people in the community were searching for the most in terms of our pantries and housing services, how we can best utilize this data to spread our message, and what that tells us about our community’s needs. I also worked to revamp branded materials including program one-pagers designed for clients and for donors, respectively. I contributed to the planning, development, and execution of BCHG’s first fundraising event in over two years at Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company on July 15. I helped manage in-person donations, relations with vendors, and I even performed at the event! But most of all, I had the chance to witness incredible people dedicating their time and talents to closing the door on hunger and homelessness in Bucks County. One of my responsibilities as a summer intern was to gather research and resources into a concise document outlining what hunger and homelessness looked like in Bucks County. One of the aspects I touched on in the paper was a misconception that Bucks County is affluent and thus is immune to the housing and hunger crisis. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Thousands in Bucks County cannot fill their own or their family’s plates every day due to a variety of factors. However, there is help. The dedicated staff of Bucks County Housing Group is a caring, selfless, and hardworking group, and I am honored to have been among them for a season. I firmly believe that my time working as a summer intern at Bucks County Housing Group has and will contribute to my future success. Learning the fundamentals of donor relations, digital marketing, and the intricacies of the nonprofit sector will be invaluable to me as I move forward in my education and my career. It has been an eye-opening experience and has piqued my interest in future work in the non-profit sector, knowing that at its core, the work is dedicated to helping people. As I move forward, I am eager to explore new ways to make a positive impact. Thank you to everyone at Bucks County Housing Group for welcoming me with such open arms and making this summer experience unforgettable, especially my Marketing and Department dream team member Hannah Borish. Finally, thank you to Amanda McGill for her direction and mentorship. Amanda showed a genuine interest in my growth and success beyond only how it relates to BCHG and made herself available to provide guidance and support whenever needed. In closing, I’m so grateful to have been able to intern at Bucks County Housing Group, and I encourage any prospective interns to reach out. It’s an experience you won’t forget. Written by: Dominic DiFrancesco
BCHG operates the largest and only professionally-run food pantry system in Bucks County. We have two brick-and-mortar pantries, one in Doylestown and one in Penndel, along with two mobile market vans that distribute food to places further from our permanent pantries. We rely heavily on donations to keep our pantries stocked and our communities fed. If you’d like to help out, donations to our pantries can be made at the following locations and times: Penndel: 349 Durham Road, Langhorne, PA 19047Tuesdays from 10am-12pm Doylestown: 470 Old Dublin Pike Doylestown, PA 18901Wednesdays from 1:30-3:30 If you’re interested in making a larger contribution by holding a food drive, below is all the information you’ll need to get started! What You Need: Containers/boxes for donated items A designated drop-off location with start and end dates and times Publicity (via social media, flyers, etc.) What to Ask for: At BCHG, we prioritize healthy food options in our pantries by following the Healthy Pantry Initiative set up by Philabundance. Click here to learn more: https://www.philabundance.org/healthy-pantry-initiative/ With this in mind, please ask for healthy and fresh food donations such as the items below. Proteins such as: peanut butter canned chicken, tuna, or salmon canned or dried beans lentils and peas Fruits and vegetables that do not require refrigeration such as: canned fruit or 100% fruit juice tomatoes carrots bananas oranges Dairy such as: shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives like oat, almond, or soy milk dried powder milk Grains such as: rice quinoa pasta oatmeal breakfast cereal Other Items such as: olive or canola oil broths, lemon juice, or vinegar nuts crackers condiments like ketchup and mayo Where to Hold the Drive: Any organization that will allow it! For example: schools businesses/office parks neighborhoods churches, etc. Where to Bring the Donations: Please drop off the donations at one of our pantries listed above. To schedule drop-offs outside of the designated hours, please call 215-750-4344 x 101. As we continue our journey to alleviate hunger and uplift those in need, we are very grateful for community support. Every contribution to our food programs counts; if you prefer to make a monetary donation, you can easily scan the QR codes below. Donate on PayPal: Donate on our website: If you would like to view this info as a printable flyer, please click here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFpMIIMvjU/cMMIeeBLt6Ysodb1sVOPGQ/view?utm_content=DAFpMIIMvjU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink If you have any questions about organizing a drive or how to donate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to amcgill@bchg.org. Together, we can create a brighter, more nourished future for all. Written By: Hannah Borish
Introduction Cheers to making a difference! In a heartwarming collaboration between community and craft beer, our first annual Pints for a Purpose fundraiser was a great success, creating a delightful blend of charity and camaraderie. This event brought together beer enthusiasts, philanthropists, and local businesses all with a shared mission of supporting the Bucks County Housing Group (BCHG). With its unique combination of craft brews, live entertainment, and a worthy cause, Pints for a Purpose demonstrated the true essence of community spirit and giving back! BCHG and Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company: A Hub of Community Support Nestled in Croydon, Pennsylvania, Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company is renowned for its innovative craft beers and its strong sense of community engagement. The brewery, founded by Steve Capelli and Jermey Myers, has become more than just a local favorite; it has evolved into a gathering place that fosters connections among neighbors and beyond. With a commitment to giving back, the brewery partnered with us here at BCHG to help us in our fight against hunger and homelessness. Their dedication to being socially responsible and working with us to make Bucks County a better community for all is truly inspiring! Pints for a Purpose: An Unforgettable Fundraiser Our Pints for a Purpose fundraiser was an exciting affair, attracting beer enthusiasts, community advocates, and philanthropists from all walks of life. The event offered a fantastic opportunity to savor a diverse array of craft beers while contributing to a noble cause. Guests were treated to a variety of Neshaminy Creek’s finest brews, including their new collaboration beers with Rita’s water ice, ensuring there was something to suit every palate. The brewery’s passionate and knowledgeable staff were on hand to guide attendees through the beer selection, making the experience all the more enjoyable. To enhance the ambiance, live entertainment was provided, featuring local musicians and performers who graciously donated their time and talent to support the cause, as well as a yoga hour by SEVA Yoga. Additionally, several local businesses brought their wares to the brewhouse to provide an immersive shopping experience for attendees. The energy and enthusiasm in the air were palpable as attendees reveled in the festivities while knowing that their presence and contributions were making a tangible difference. Making a Difference Together Thanks to the collective efforts of the attendees, Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company, and BCHG, our Pints for a Purpose fundraiser turned out to be a remarkable success. The funds raised during the event will undoubtedly go a long way in furthering our mission of providing shelter, food, and support to those experiencing housing challenges in the community. Furthermore, Pints for a Purpose exemplified the power of community support and how local businesses like Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company can use their platform to create a positive impact. Such initiatives inspire others to come together for the greater good, fostering a culture of giving that extends far beyond a single event. Conclusion Pints for a Purpose was more than just an evening of beer tasting and entertainment. It was a celebration of compassion, community, and coming together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. The event showcased the immense power that businesses and individuals have when they unite for a worthy cause. The partnership between Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company and the Bucks County Housing Group demonstrated that philanthropy can be both enjoyable and impactful. As we raise our glasses to toast the success of Pints for a Purpose, let us also raise our awareness and support for ending hunger and homelessness in Bucks County. Together, we can make a lasting difference and create a community where everyone has a place to call home. Written By: Amanda McGill
We have some exciting news to share: we are relaunching our Apartment Partners program! By becoming an Apartment Partner, you help us help community members most in need through our Supportive Housing Program (SHP). People joining our SHP are generally facing the greatest risk of homelessness. BCHG’s Supportive Housing Program is the only program in the county that provides a fully furnished and stocked apartment for families to stay in at no cost for up to one year. We operate 23 units throughout the county that serve an average of 42 families per year. Most families come to us from the emergency shelter, with only their personal belongings. When a family moves into one of our units, we want to provide them with all the items they will need for daily living. Our SHP apartments are currently experiencing a high amount of turnover, and we are thrilled that so many people are moving into more permanent housing; however, with that turnover comes the need to “turn over” the apartments themselves and prepare them for new families to move into…and that’s where you come in. Our Apartment Partners program offers two levels of support: Unit Support and Family Support. You can be part of one or both. Unit Support helps us keep the apartments stocked for the next family that moves in. Providing Unit Support includes purchasing/replacing furniture, towels and linens, kitchen utensils, Amazon Wishlist items, “starter packs” of cleaning supplies, and more. Large items, such as furniture and appliances, are used from family to family and are only replaced when they are no longer functional. The average investment of being a Unit Support Partner is between $300-$1000 a year, though your contributions can of course be higher or lower. Family Support directly helps the families who stay in our SHP units. During a family’s time with BCHG, our case managers work to help families return to a place of “normal” as their housing crisis resolves. Most of our families have been living in “survival mode” prior to coming to us, and we want to help them begin to thrive again. This looks different for each family, but there are some things that are universal; birthdays, holidays, school milestones. Providing Family Support includes helping to pay for those sports and extracurricular fees, holiday gifts, birthday boxes, car repairs, and more. The average annual investment of being a Family Support Partner is between $100-$1000, but again contributions are flexible. To learn more about our new and improved program, click the link below, and if you or your group are interested in becoming an Apartment Partner, please email Amanda at amcgill@bchg.org. Apartment Partners Program Info Written by: Hannah Borish
How You Can Help Fight Hunger in Bucks County Summer is here, and while it brings excitement for many, it also poses challenges for our food pantries. This season can be particularly tough as our stock levels tend to run low due to difficulties in securing food donations. While the demand for food assistance intensifies during these months, the support typically garnered during holidays and through school-drive initiatives diminishes. Compounded by the increasing costs of food and reductions in emergency SNAP benefits, the rising client need for food pantry services presents a challenge. We have observed a steady and significant increase in the number of clients seeking assistance at our food pantries. In the month of May alone, over 550 unique households were served, providing vital support to 1,469 individuals a staggering 4,199 times. This figure has only grown in the month of June and is expected to rise as we enter July. SNAP benefits, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal assistance program in the United States. It provides eligible individuals and families with funds to purchase nutritious food. The program aims to alleviate food insecurity and improve access to healthy meals. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania provided temporary additional SNAP payments to recipients. These additional funds, typically averaging $95 or more, were crucial in supporting households facing food insecurity and mitigating the pandemic’s impact on vulnerable populations. However, in February, these extra benefits ended, resulting in decreased food assistance for many. Furthering the struggle, food prices continue to rise due to factors including international inflation, labor costs, supply chain issues, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts a projected increase of 4.1% in food production costs for the year 2023. These food prices not only impact consumers, but also our food program’s ability to purchase food. Bucks County Housing Group has witnessed a rise in clients struggling with homelessness or housing insecurity. The issue of homelessness almost always intersects with food insecurity, amplifying the urgency to provide consistent and reliable access to nourishing food. The combination of these factors has created a significant gap that BCHG strives to bridge. We work hard to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families have access to essential sustenance. Our comprehensive approach to food security services ensures the issue of food access is addressed at every stage. These challenges may seem overwhelming, but this is where your support really makes a difference! By increasing awareness of the ongoing need for food donations during the summer months, individuals, local businesses, and community organizations play a crucial role in ensuring that no one goes hungry. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact in the lives of those struggling with food insecurity and homelessness. There are many ways to help: Food Donations: Please consider donating either perishable or non-perishable food items. These contributions directly support our clients. Donations can be dropped off at our Penndel Pantry Tuesdays 10:00am – 12:00pm and our Doylestown Pantry Wednesday 1:30 – 3:30pm. To coordinate other donation times or food drives, please email amcgill@bchg.org. Financial Contributions: The best way to support our pantries currently is with monetary donations or gift cards to local grocery stores. These donations allow BCHG to purchase fresh produce, dairy products, and other perishable items, ensuring a balanced and nutritious food supply for our food pantries. Even a small contribution can go a long way in making a positive impact. Volunteer Support: Make a difference in your community by volunteering at BCHG’s food pantries or organizing food drives. Your time and skills can have a significant impact, helping to collect and distribute food to those in need. Spread the Word: Share the mission of BCHG through social media, community newsletters, local events, or just tell a friend about us! Raising awareness is key to expanding our impact and reaching more individuals and families in need. We are facing a decline in food donations and an increase in demand at our food pantries. This presents a pressing challenge, but one we are ready to face. We are dedicated to providing food assistance to all community members who turn to our pantries. To reach that goal, we need your help. Please consider supporting us and our mission to close the door on hunger in Bucks County! Share our mission by following along! Instagram: @buckscountyhousinggroup Facebook: Bucks County Housing Group Twitter: @housing4all LinkedIn: Bucks County Housing Group Written By: Dominic DiFrancesco