This time of the year, the word “home” seems to have more special meaning than other times.
Most of us go home every day to spend the night, or we think of coming home for Christmas or holidays, or we reminisce about what home was like growing up, or we may even have a home away from home. For most of us the word home means a warm, safe and loving environment, and we usually don’t give it much thought because it’s our normal way of life. But there are for more men, women and families in our county than we realize who have no place to call home.
Enter Housing Opportunities. This much needed, extremely caring agency strives to help make the word “home” a reality for those in need. With 65 housing units for people with disabilities, 68 units with affordable rental for families, and 14 units for men or women transitioning back into society, it would seem the problem is covered. Far from it.
According to developmental officer, Lisa Mathis there is a waiting list for every housing unit they offer. Their support and service is constant.
The latest gift to those in need of housing are 15 efficiency apartments for single women who are employed, but have no home. These apartments will be opening in January of the new year, and are located at 1117 Calumet Avenue in Valpo. Lisa said that there is still need for volunteer help to get the housing totally ready for women to have a place to come home to. If you have even a small amount of time, and a little energy left, any day from Monday to Friday from 8a.m. to noon, please call 548-2800 and be a hero or heroine.
And if you love eating while you are helping others, tomorrow, (Sunday, December 4th), you can enjoy an all you can eat buffet of delicious Spanish cuisine from noon to 5 p.m. with live music, a silent auction and more surprises at Restaurante Don Quijote on Lincolnway all for only $35. There is still time to purchase tickets online at [http://www.hoihelp.com,]www.hoihelp.com, or just show up at the restaurant any time during those hours. All proceeds will benefit Housing Opportunities aid to homeless.
Your donations are always welcome and will gladly be received at 2001 Calumet Avenue in Valpo-the home of Housing Opportunities. However you choose to help our neighbors in need, when you are warm and toasty at home, please remember this caring agency. We are so blessed that we tend to forget the lives of people who are left out in the cold. The need is there, so let’s help fill it, and make yourself happy too. Thanks from Lisa, and all those who are waiting to be warm and cozy in a place called home.
There are still people who think that teachers have it made because they are lucky enough to have the summer off. First of all, that is a fallacy, as most teachers either work another job, or continue taking required courses as the influence of technology continues to blossom, changing the dynamics of teaching. There are also still some that think teachers are overpaid. If either of those statements were true, why is it that there is a shortage of teachers, and now that has become such a concern that the state is offering incentives for students who will commit to going into teaching.
The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship program provides $7,500 a year for college for students willing to teach in Indiana for five years after completing their degrees. The scholarships will be awarded based on academic achievement as well as teacher nomination, and personal interview. As a former teacher, I know salaries are not as appealing as in most professions, but the rewards of developing minds is extremely rewarding, and hopefully this “carrot” will help encourage students to follow that path. If you have kids in high school who would give this some consideration, please point them to education. Our children will thank you.
Stay warm in your homes as the weather turns down the thermostat, and I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
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Lorrie Woycik is a freelance columnist for the Post-Tribune.