What is Joshua House Inc.?
What started with helping a neighbor, get to an appointment; while helping another, pay a fuel bill to avoid falling into debt, grew into the nonprofit known as Joshua House Inc. (Joshua House). Having no physical location or being “a house” it is a virtual concept of caring and support, for people where they live. Joshua House Inc. helps people remain strong, independent, and self-reliant.
Joshua House was founded in Irasburg, VT in 1996 by Casey Boyle-Eldridge and a small group of friends. Its mission is to meet basic needs of the homeless, or near homeless population, in northern Vermont that results from unemployment and underemployment and related human environmental issues. The objectives are to support and shelter the homeless short-term, to help prevent homelessness through emergency support, and to help individuals and families maintain sustainability. Joshua House and its Board of Directors and volunteers seek to empower everyone to find support, love, caring and outreach from us - their community family.
In May of 2019, Casey and the previous board stepped down, and a new Board of Directors took over. As of 2021 the current board is made up of Tim Daley, President; Brenda Lowther Vice President; Pastor Mike Haddad Secretary; Steve Mengel Treasurer; Pastor James Merriam, Fred Wilson, and Cassandra Hill, Board Members.
As a 501c3 non-profit, and a faith-based organization, Joshua House provides services to people from all walks of life, faiths, and non-faith backgrounds. As a privately funded organization receiving no federal or state funds, all support for those in need comes from ongoing fundraisers, caring individuals, businesses, and other non-profits. Where many organizations have limitations as to what and how much can be given to an individual or family, Joshua House has no such restrictions, thereby allowing it to assist at times to a greater extent.
Working closely with the Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) and local Community Partners, as well as other nonprofits, churches and religious charities, Joshua House can help get people back on track; by filling in the gap of need. Financial assistance is never paid directly to those requesting assistance, but instead, sent to those requiring payment.
Since 2019, Joshua House Inc. has seen an increase in need and assistance provided. Requests range from rent, utilities, mortgage assistance, food, car repair, tires, etc. In 2019, 55 families (roughly 225 people) were assisted; up from 30 families (roughly 125 people) in 2018. In 2020, Joshua House Inc. assisted 66 families (roughly 270 people) during the pandemic, with a moratorium on evictions, and utility shutoffs. Paying out $21,056.76 in assistance.
Joshua House Inc. is a volunteer organization with a non-paid Board of Directors made up of local people helping their neighbors, seniors, and working people here in northern VT. The struggle is real, and each donation, regardless of size, makes a big difference. Prevention is possible when people work together and that, is what Joshua House Inc. is all about.
If you would like to be a part of helping people locally, you can make a donation on the website at www.joshuahousenek.com or by sending a check to Joshua House Inc., PO Box 1434, Derby, VT 05829. All financial donations are tax deductible. If you would like more information about what Joshua House Inc. does, contact Tim Daley at jhinctim@gmail.com If you are a person in need, you can call 802-323-3848 or email joshuahouse2019@gmail.com
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