The stories are real.
They are told minimally to protect as much as possible, the identity of the people assisted.
We ask that if you recognize someone here, that you do not share that knowledge, as we all deserve privacy.
Each month, as volunteer Care Coordinator, Brenda Lowther works with a variety of organizations and churches around, and beyond the Northeast Kingdom (NEK), making connections; to assist people in need. This collaborative effort is the work of Joshua House Inc.
When you donate to Joshua House Inc. your money is used to pay several different things and only on occasion, paying the full amount. Joshua House is generally the last resource used. As it receives no State or Federal funding it is used to fill in the gap that occurs when organizations such as Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA), Human Services, Restorative Justice, Orleans Essex Visiting Nurses Association (OEVNA), Capstone, NCUHS, Morgan Church, Derby Community Church, Community Partners, and others have reached their limit for a period or are limited by their funding sources.
Like all organizations committed to assisting those that struggle, the goal of Joshua House Inc. is to provide a hand up, not a handout. Financial assistance is only provided once in a 12-month period with rare exceptions. The objective is to support sustainability.
Joshua House is not house, but a concept of caring for those that struggle. When you donate, your money is used to help fill in the gap; get over the hump; put something behind and move forward; etc. All of us together are what makes Joshua House Inc. possible.
Thank you!
They are told minimally to protect as much as possible, the identity of the people assisted.
We ask that if you recognize someone here, that you do not share that knowledge, as we all deserve privacy.
Each month, as volunteer Care Coordinator, Brenda Lowther works with a variety of organizations and churches around, and beyond the Northeast Kingdom (NEK), making connections; to assist people in need. This collaborative effort is the work of Joshua House Inc.
When you donate to Joshua House Inc. your money is used to pay several different things and only on occasion, paying the full amount. Joshua House is generally the last resource used. As it receives no State or Federal funding it is used to fill in the gap that occurs when organizations such as Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA), Human Services, Restorative Justice, Orleans Essex Visiting Nurses Association (OEVNA), Capstone, NCUHS, Morgan Church, Derby Community Church, Community Partners, and others have reached their limit for a period or are limited by their funding sources.
Like all organizations committed to assisting those that struggle, the goal of Joshua House Inc. is to provide a hand up, not a handout. Financial assistance is only provided once in a 12-month period with rare exceptions. The objective is to support sustainability.
Joshua House is not house, but a concept of caring for those that struggle. When you donate, your money is used to help fill in the gap; get over the hump; put something behind and move forward; etc. All of us together are what makes Joshua House Inc. possible.
Thank you!
The following are examples of assistance provided by Joshua House Inc., over the last couple years. Current information is withheld to help maintain privacy of those individuals assisted.
2/18 Morrisville $130 - MyEyeDr, Stowe for contacts. Homeless man, living in Golden Eagle motel with girlfriend, three children all under 4 and one on the way, couldn't afford contacts and eyes were being scratched by old ones. Has carpentry work lined up for spring. Referred by: Jessica Speer, case mgr. Lamoille County Mental Health Service.
2/10 St. Johnsbury $600 - Memphremagog Rentals. Husband is a diabetic, who got behind in insurance payments, therefore, being sent into Keto Acidosis and going into a coma at NVRH. Elia Spates, ascertained that they were rationing insulin (Can be $1200 per month) and sought help from Joshua House for past due rent and hospital to help with insurance premiums and debt. These are tenants of MR for eight years, who had never missed payments before.
2/10 Barton $321.33 - Barton Chambers Apartments. Fire at Pleasant St. Apartment on Christmas, 2020 destroyed all this woman's belongings. She and her companion animal, escaped but her neighbor died in the fire. This is someone that Brenda has worked with for several years, having met her through the Border Motel Ministry, Derby Community Church. On disability, NEKCA had paid deposits for the Pleasant St., Apt. in 2019. Native American decent, she has a history of foster homes, homelessness and exploitation. After the fire, NEKCA and DCF put her in the Rapid Recovery homeless data base, thereby having shelter in two hotels, one in Canaan and then at Pine Crest in Barton. We were able to get her daughter to take her to Barton Chambers Apartments, subsidized housing, to apply. With good recommendations and Joshua House paying her deposit, amazingly she was given a 2-bedroom beautiful apartment in Monitor Manor, within 2 months, normally at least a year wait. With guidance, she should be able to remain here for her lifetime paying $230 rent with utilities included. Partners in this include: North Country Medical Arts (safety recommendations) and Derby Community Church for furniture. Abenaki Funds helped with her food. .
2/17 Derby Line $600 - Matthew White, Landlord. Man on parole, sleeping on a couch, receiving unemployment (pandemic). Trying to get his life together. Found job at Derby Line Village Inn. He is a person of faith, found this in prison through Prison Ministry. Works weekly with Rev. Robert Cargill and Kelly Deslauriers, Church of God, who referred him. Found housing through chef at Inn. Partnered with Restorative Inmates transition fund.
Joshua House Inc. assistance provided in January 2021
1/5 Barton $149.57 - Glenn Pickett, Handyman. 62-year-old woman, (mortgaged home) was hospitalized for an extended period of time, leaving home empty. Toilet was leaking and extreme water damage in bathroom. No family in area, church in Barton had previously helped. Referred by Laura Deuso, OEVNA, Joshua House referred her to Community Partners: COA, Comm. Partners, St. Marks Church and J.H. shared equally in meeting this $648.71 bill. Rural Edge grant for other home issues.
1/8 Orleans $193.61 - Amerigas. Disabled woman living in a camper. Needed two propane tanks, as old provider, Bourne Energy, will not accept seasonal fuel assist. Referred by NEKCA.
1/27 Derby Line/Island Pond $500 - Mike Hatten Landlord. Single man, on unemployment, was living with his mother, helping her after surgery. Court ordered he receive custody of his preteen son. Apartment found in Island Pond. Partnered with Morgan Church, Rev.Mike DeSena $400, to obtain this apt. with family helping, and J.H. to obtain first, last and security of $1500.
1/28 Derby Line $600 - Dennis Ducharme, Landlord. Mom of two children, one teenager one under 13, attending CCV, VSAC training 16 week program, expecting to get work on completion , is behind in rent. Referred by Derby Community Church, Rev. Mike Haddad.
1/29 Derby $400 - Vermont Electric Coop. Couple living in substandard trailer, behind on electric and water. Man laid off work for a month due to Covid. Woman on disability. He replaced parts, through a Go Fund Me page, in their furnace recently. Most pressing need was a $711.37 bill for electricity. Since their income is adequate now, JH paid two delinquent month's worth of electricity. No cut offs at present are allowed.
1/31 Orleans $400 - Mikes Auto Repair, Newport Center (Clutch Kit, labor). Single, disabled mother of two children one teenager one under 5. Needs car repaired for transport of children, and recertification of SSI, which has been stopped while awaiting her appointment, COVID delay also. Referred to Barton United Church for remainder of $850 bill.
Joshua House Inc. assistance provided in December 2020
12/18 Newport $350 - Guillette's Service Station. Car repair, sensor replaced. Single mom with young son who suffers from extreme anxiety. Mother works two parttime jobs. Hours cut due to the Covid-19. Must have car to pick up son and to get to work. Comparisons were made with other car repair places in Newport. This was the best price. Referred by NEKCA and her grandparents, who we helped in the past.
12/20 Newport $128.09 - Rays Auto. Referred by NEKCA and Community Partners. Single mom, prior homelessness, currently in the NEKCA Emergency shelter apartment and trying to get back on her feet. Two children under 10. The car repair is necessary for mom to begin working. Community Partners paid $700 of this repair bill, which included being towed, tires and various repairs.
12/23 Newport $205 - Oil Supply. Family with a four-year-old daughter needed heat/hot water. NEKCA referred. Husband begins job at local business net month. Family behind due to the Covid, etc.
12/30 Morrisville $520 - Green Mountain Management. Referred by Pat turner, Capstone in Morrisville. Capstone has helped this family in the past, to get into this housing situation. There are five children, all under 13, all at home. They are in danger of eviction when the moratorium on evictions end. The father is not working, due to health issues and they are trying to obtain disability for him. The family manages on Reach Up but is paying more than half of it for their rent.
12/30 Derby $407.06 – Don’s Auto Repair. Partnered with Community Partners on this car repair which enabled mother, with three teenage daughters, to continue working. Referral came from Ned at Restorative Justice. Mom paid $200 on this. Other partners helped this family obtain a better living situation.
Joshua House Inc. assistance provided in November 2020
11/4 Newport $400 - Northpoint Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Winter Tires. Northpoint donated $134.12 (Total cost $534.12) Elder couple living in subsidized housing had tires stolen from their garage. Husband is disabled, many doctor's appointments. NEKCA referral.
11/9 Barton $500 - Dale Bennett, Landlord. Rent. Adult with developmental delay cashed disability check, which arrived early and lost the cash in Barton. Her attempts to find it were to no avail, bulletin board, etc. She felt she could not get a checking account. While working with Joshua House, she acquired a checking account with direct deposit and her landlord will receive rent automatically each month. She was extremely frightened about losing her apartment. All her utilities are included in her rent of which $300 monthly is paid by Human Services. Her case manager, Christina Guyette, stated they could not pay more. This individual cried when Joshua House agreed to pay $500 to keep her housed. Referred by: Northeast Kingdom Human Services.
11/13 Newport $84.61 - Vermont Electric Coop. Single mother of two children both under 6, son with ADHD, many Drs. appointments. Mon is full time student in college. Had to stop work during Covid, due to babysitter charged more than what she made. She has applied for disability. Referred by Newport United Church.
11/19 Norton $248.96 - Vermont Electric Coop. Single mother of three, worried about electricity disconnect, as children are doing remote learning. Covid related debt, arranged fund from state paid over half of her bill. Referred by NEKCA, (Belinda).
11/25 Derby Line $23 – Irving Gasoline. Young man with cancer needed gas to get to Lisbon, N. H. to pick up his two children for Thanksgiving. He had them just for the day but no gas to get there. This man had been unable to reach anyone at the churches he called. When I (Brenda) met him at Irving, he stated, "God does work and answers prayers."
Joshua House Inc. assistance provided in October 2020
Lots of fuel needs. A 100 gal. delivery minimum is required and a $95 leak test by Fred’s, (if they it ran out).
10/5 Newport $206.82 - Vermont Electric. Single mom, on disability. Three children, two under 10, and one 13. Greatly impacted by Covid and having her children home for extended period. Derby Community Church offered help through Kids Care program. NEKCA referral.
10/7 Newport $215.98 - K and N Auto (wheel bearing). Employed young woman with 2-year-old son. Car unsafe and must have to work, and support child. Came with boyfriend to NEK and then abandoned here. Boyfriend unable work and send financial support. NEKCA referral.
10/12 Newport $197 - Blanchard Oil. Household includes disabled woman, teenage son and pregnant daughter due in Nov. with health issues and 3-yea- old granddaughter. Decision required. Pay mortgage or heat house? Fuel assistance coming. Referred by Newport United Church.
10/15 Lowell $251 - Fred's Energy (propane). Young woman with boyfriend, unemployed since May (Covid), 5 mo. old son. Joshua House did not pay for $95 pressure test. Spoke with boyfriend about it. Joshua House Inc. paid for propane as they had no hot water to bathe baby. Wood stove for heat. Fuel Assistance pending. NEKCA referral.
10/21 Derby $300 - Blanchard Oil (propane). 58-year-old disabled woman, lives alone, Fuel Assistance pending. No heat, receives $855, pays $700 rent, pays her electricity. Blanchard does free leak test for needy. NEKCA referral.
10/21 Newport $392 - K and N Auto. Winter tires and car repair. Woman with cancer and requiring surgery. Must make weekly trips to Dartmouth Hitchcock, Lebanon, N.H. Three children under 7. Previously employed and sought all avenues of help, including Facebook and Cancer Society. Covid grant paid electricity.
10/29 Morrisville $263.75 - Fred's Energy (require 125 gal. min.). Disabled 59-year-old woman who lives alone. Partnered with Capstone (Elaine Willard). Capstone paid $244 - leak test and emergency heat delivery fee; Joshua House Inc. paid 125 gal. Fuel oil.
Joshua House Inc. assistance provided in September 2020
9/2 Barton $350 - (Update of initial assistance of $2.00 June 25). First/Last month's rent - Barton Chambers Apartments 71-year-old homeless man from Arizona, with 14-year-old companion dog. This gentleman was living several months in 40-year-old truck. Forced migration, due to migraines, stuck here due to Covid, trying to get to family in Canada, which is a closed border. Joshua House Inc. was able to get him in subsidized housing for $230 month, including utilities. Partnered with Derby Community Church, which provided furniture for apartment. Aubin family, Derby, allowed him to stay with them during the hot summer months and state provided a motel stay on Joshua House request during especially dangerous heat wave. Doing very well in Barton.
9/16 Newport $500 - Memphremagog Rentals to assist toward cleaning apt. due to toxicity of COVID confinement to make apartment safe and habitable. Disabled, elder Veteran, and dog quarantined. Due to lack of physical and emotional support, apt. was condemned due to animal and human waste. Former homeless man has since regained support and enabled to stay housed. Partnered with V.A., Memphremagog Rentals and tenant $900.
9/22 Derby Line $232.74 - Fred’s Energy. Fuel plus leak test required. Single mom, two children under 10, no heat. Due to disconnect, test required.
9/28 Coventry $193.00 - Blanchard Oil. Fuel need. Disabled man, living in trailer.
9/28 Barton $610.76 - Pick & Shovel Accessible Shower. Disabled elder woman, hoping to stay in home, needed bathroom floor replaced, repair and mold rehab. This shower, with work done by adult children, enabled her to remain in her home. She is wheelchair dependent due to fall.
9/29 Irasburg $227.90 - Fred's Energy. Kerosene fuel delivered and Tank inspected at mobile home. A family of 5 with young children. Father works locally, mother on disability. Behind due to months’ worth of rent going to food, and supplies for homeschooling children, pandemic related need.
9/30 Albany $350 - Angela Ross, Attorney Property Taxes foreclosure Disabled man seeking repeated assistance after 12 months-time. Partnered with Albany Community Church. Counseled the man regarding Vocational Rehab. helping with his disability claim of two years wait. To help him remain housed, Joshua House Inc. helped again. The gentleman understands assistance of the same nature may not be available in future. Joshua House Inc. is a hand-up, not a hand-out. JH will be in touch with man in 6 months as follow up.
Joshua House Inc. assistance provided in August 2020
$500 Island Pond Back rent
$600 Newport Back rent for Disabled Veteran.
$117.80 North Troy Fred’s Energy single mom with 2- year-old heat/hot water
$292.43 Newport Center Vermont Electric, back bill Disabled man.
$1750 Derby Paid to cover costs owed by working individual with young family who has a small business. Assisted when he was unable to pay back requested deposit on job. A few circumstances were involved.
Joshua House Inc. assistance provided in July 2020
7/2/20 Glover $287.95 - Single mom with two children under 13 years old. Behind in electric. Referred and highly recommended by NEKCA.
7/7/20 Newport $155 - M and A Auto Repair. Single mom with three children under 10. Hysterectomy on 5/1/20, back to work on 6/15. Referred by Community Partners who halved car repairs with us. Needed car to get to work.
7/29/20 North Troy $700 - Ernest and Louise Choquette landlord. Man, with family of 10 needed more room. Got second apartment, same building. Man injured on job. He is on disability, and their income is sufficient but needed help with security deposit. Rent will be $1050 month.
8/3/20 Derby Line $500 - Tara Lewis, Landlord. Single mom with 10-year-old. Behind in rent due to Covid and work situation. NEKCA helped her get this apartment in 2019. Landlord is pulling for her.
Joshua House Inc. assistance provided in June 2020
6/9/20 Jay $542.25 - Mountainside Treasures - one month rent for single mother with young son during Covid crisis. She could not be in any communal spaces.
6/22/20 Newport $382 -Tammi Cross, Landlord - Request from NEKCA (Holly). More on story to follow.
6/22/20 Derby $400 - Border Motel, Derby – Single woman late 40s, fleeing domestic abuse. Desperate for help until she found work, which she did.
6/25/20 Derby $2.00 – Bought a case of water at Shaw’s for Homeless 71-year-old man with 14-year-old dog, fleeing wildfires in Arizona due to heat migraines but unable to access family in Canada. Living in truck. Helped this man in many ways, subsidized apartment in works. Partnered with Derby Community Church for gift cards Price Chopper x4 @ $200, St. Marks for gift cards @$30. JH will help with Barton Chambers Apartments when open.
6/30/20 Island Pond $222 - Mike Hatten, Landlord, Island Pond. Single Mom and son. Community Partners paid $188 on this; Council on Aging $200. Individual paid $1350 as she was homeless two years. Referred by Samantha Stevens at NCUHS, teen son couch surfing.
Joshua House Inc. assistance provided in May 2020
5/12/2020 Lyndonville $100 - Cumberland Farms gas card to help a couple dealing with Cancer get to Dartmouth for weekly treatments.
5/25/2020 Derby Line $31.40 - Well Care Part D Medicare Plan premium for one month for a 70-year-old woman who got behind during Covid. Requested made by OEVNA.
5/31/20 Barton $450 - Town Fair Tire, Littleton NH*. Homeless man living at Pine Crest Motel in Barton, needing tires due to necessity of seeing his two children. Highly recommended by NEKCA, who is working on housing him and they cannot help with auto needs. *(This purchase was made in NH because of pricing. Connections to local vendors in northern VT were sought out again and made for future purchases.)
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