23 Aug Community means so much more than what we usually think

…a message from Executive Director Marsha Eichelberger

I’ve been thinking a lot this month about community. “Community” means so much more than what we usually think. Here at Inter-Faith, we comprise a very unique community of congregations with diverse faiths, but a common mission: to end family homelessness. Our boundaries are wide, comprising so much more than the tiny corner of Ambler we inhabit, because our congregations realize that help to a neighbor miles away is help to a neighbor next door. We are all connected; we all need each other and we all have something to give.

Nowhere is this better evidenced than in our Hope Forest initiative. In April, First Presbyterian Church of Ambler gifted us $300,000, raised through a special initiative of their successful capital campaign, to purchase a 2-family home in Ambler in order to provide an affordable housing option to our graduate families. Multiple groups have provided financial support, in-kind donations, and hands-on-help to make Hope Forest move-in-ready by the fall. Sports Unlimited was instrumental in the initial demo of the interior by removing carpet and unneeded materials from the house. Church of the Messiah is converting one bedroom into two, including building closets, drywall, and painting, with manpower and funding. Jarrettown United Methodist is designing both kitchens, purchasing and installing cabinets, and providing volunteers for general help. Grace Baptist Church is purchasing the kitchen appliances and renovating the second floor kitchen. is funding and providing manpower to renovate at least one of the bathrooms. Members from Congregation Beth Or spent an afternoon painting and cleaning and are contributing funds. Blue Bell Rotary donated much-needed funds and volunteers. Members from other groups including the Knights of Columbus, Glenside UCC, along with individual volunteers have spent workdays at the house helping with the tasks of the day.

We are particularly proud of these partnerships and are especially honored by the commitment and trust of First Presbyterian Church. We are humbled by the way these communities have banded together for such a worthy purpose to create a greater, all- encompassing community of Hope- Hope Forest, that is! There is still much more work to be done, however; check our website and Facebook for pop-up opportunities large and small and join us in expanding our community of Hope.

Thank you.
Executive Director Marsha Eichelberger