Homes of Hope Auction Oct. 5

By:

ALICE HUMMER Review Correspondent

, Staff Writer

Lisa Gable, auction steering committee, and son, Nicolas, 12, a helper at the event, hold a handmade quilt that will be sold at the Second Annual Homes of Hope Auction held at Swamp Lutheran Church on Oct. 5. (Photo by Alice Hummer)

Everyone will find something of interest at the Homes of Hope Auction Oct. 5 at Swamp Lutheran Church in Reinholds, one of many local churches supporting the Homes of Hope Program.

Phillies baseball fans can bid on a baseball autographed by Carlos Ruiz or one of the several Phillies baseball caps. Other items for bid include grocery store gift cards, hardware store gift certificates, or a gift basket from one of many local businesses. A food stand is serving soup, hot dogs, barbecue and baked goods. Auctioneer Art Pannebecker is donating his service and everyone registered to bid will be issued a number.

Homes of Hope Transitional Housing Program, which has been in existence for four years, offers families a minimum four-month stay in a church-sponsored, fully furnished home. While in the home, church care teams offer mentoring and hands-on assistance. Families are also connected with existing community and church-based resources that will assist them as they work to gain self-sufficiency. Persons serving as mentors make a positive difference by meeting weekly with the family in transitional housing and keeping them accountable.

"This is our one big fundraiser," said Lisa Gable, steering committee member. "Last year we raised $10,000."

"We’ve had one road bump after another," she continued. "This is our fourth home in four years. This home in Adamstown is owned by Bollman Hat Factory. It is being rented to Homes of Hope at a very reasonable rent."

The fact that the Homes of Hope organization rents housing means that the landlord may choose to sell the real estate and that means a search for new housing. The house in Adamstown offers more housing stability.

Love, INC (Love In the Name of Christ) coordinates the overall program.

More AUCTION, page A18