http://heartswithamission.org Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:17:00 +0000 http://snappages.com en http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2010/11/10/teen-homelessness-skyrocketing http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2010/11/10/teen-homelessness-skyrocketing Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:17:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2010/11/10/teen-homelessness-skyrocketing
(6/10/10) Even though the economy may be getting better, the number of homeless teens is skyrocketing. A recent report says teen homelessness is up more than 36% in Oregon. A Medford organization that works with homeless teens says they've noticed the surge. Kevin Lamson, the Executive Director of “Hearts With A [...]]]>
(6/10/10) Even though the economy may be getting better, the number of homeless teens is skyrocketing. A recent report says teen homelessness is up more than 36% in Oregon. A Medford organization that works with homeless teens says they've noticed the surge. Kevin Lamson, the Executive Director of “Hearts With A Mission” says the economy may be a factor. "A lot of families both spouses are having to work which requires time away from the house and less time to spend with their kids. And that starts the breakdown with their family."Lamson said his organization is willing and able to take-in youth who need temporary housing. For more information visit the shelters website at www.heartswithamission.org .

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2010/03/16/new-blog http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2010/03/16/new-blog Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:31:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2010/03/16/new-blog
www.heartswithamission.blogspot.com [...]]]>
www.heartswithamission.blogspot.com

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2010/01/13/mail-tribune-homeless-teen-finds-shelter-at-hearts-with-a-mission http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2010/01/13/mail-tribune-homeless-teen-finds-shelter-at-hearts-with-a-mission Wed, 13 Jan 2010 02:06:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2010/01/13/mail-tribune-homeless-teen-finds-shelter-at-hearts-with-a-mission
Check it out here [...]]]>
Check it out here

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/12/17/the-shelter-will-officially-open-dec-21st http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/12/17/the-shelter-will-officially-open-dec-21st Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:44:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/12/17/the-shelter-will-officially-open-dec-21st
Thanks to God, you and our amazing community of support, Hearts With A Mission was licensed to operate on Wednesday, December 9th. The english language cannot do justice to the gratitude I have for your partnership with Hearts With A Mission. You are a part of the HWAM family and our mission to reach the homeless youth in Jackson County. We are scheduled to open our doors on Monday, December 21st. Thank you for joining us in prayer as we finish the many last minute details and tasks before our doors open.

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/10/08/open-house http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/10/08/open-house Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:51:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/10/08/open-house Click here for a list of businesses that contributed time and material to make this all possible. [...]]]> Click here for a list of businesses that contributed time and material to make this all possible.

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/09/02/9209-mail-tribune-article http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/09/02/9209-mail-tribune-article Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:52:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/09/02/9209-mail-tribune-article Medford youth shelter nearly ready.
Project for kids nears completion thanks to the community's help

Check it out here. [...]]]> Medford youth shelter nearly ready.
Project for kids nears completion thanks to the community's help

Check it out here.

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/09/02/thanks-to-all-who-supported-walk-with-a-mission http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/09/02/thanks-to-all-who-supported-walk-with-a-mission Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:40:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/09/02/thanks-to-all-who-supported-walk-with-a-mission
]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/07/19/visit-us-on-facebook http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/07/19/visit-us-on-facebook Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:55:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/07/19/visit-us-on-facebook Click here. [...]]]> Click here.

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/07/19/mail-tribune-walk-to-benefit-shelter http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/07/19/mail-tribune-walk-to-benefit-shelter Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:37:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/07/19/mail-tribune-walk-to-benefit-shelter
A seven-mile walking and jogging event is planned next month to raise month for a group's effort to build a homeless shelter for youth.

The first Walk With a Mission is set at 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, starting at Bear Creek Park in Medford. Participants will walk or run along the Bear Creek Greenway to Central [...]]]>
A seven-mile walking and jogging event is planned next month to raise month for a group's effort to build a homeless shelter for youth.

The first Walk With a Mission is set at 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, starting at Bear Creek Park in Medford. Participants will walk or run along the Bear Creek Greenway to Central Point and back.

The cost to take part is $15 for one person and $10 for each additional person. The first 200 people to register will get a t-shirt.

All proceeds from the event will go to Hearts With a Mission, which has launched an effort to build a homeless shelter for youth in Medford.

The walk is being organized by Carestream Health, a White City company that provides medical and dental imaging systems.

Details: www.WalkWIthAMission.com or 541-831-7250.

— Staff reports

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/06/02/new-psa http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/06/02/new-psa Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:35:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/06/02/new-psa
]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/05/25/new-construction-photos http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/05/25/new-construction-photos Mon, 25 May 2009 14:07:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/05/25/new-construction-photos


]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/05/25/benefit-sale-june-26-27 http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/05/25/benefit-sale-june-26-27 Mon, 25 May 2009 13:50:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/05/25/benefit-sale-june-26-27 Noon–4pm

Saturday, June 27
8am–4pm

At The Medford Armory

Please help us build a youth shelter for Jackson County’s homeless kids. We need your clean and gently used: furniture,small household appliances, home & garden items, as-new clothing, sporting equipment, working [...]]]> Noon–4pm

Saturday, June 27
8am–4pm

At The Medford Armory

Please help us build a youth shelter for Jackson County’s homeless kids. We need your clean and gently used: furniture,small household appliances, home & garden items, as-new clothing, sporting equipment, working electronics, and other household items to sell at our Benefit Sale. All proceeds will be used to build a 17-bedshelter in Medford. Interested in volunteering before, during or after the sale? We need you! Please call 951-3841, email volunteeringheart@yahoo.com.

Please no TVor stereo consoles, tires, car seats, mattresses, large appliances, paints, liquids or fluids. Please drop off your donated items at the Medford Armory at the following times:Wednesday& Thursday 8am–4pm; also Thursday 6:30pm–8:30pm; Furniture only on Friday 8am–11am.

Click here for Benefit Flyer.




]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/04/29/mail-tribune-students-on-a-mission-from-their-hearts http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/04/29/mail-tribune-students-on-a-mission-from-their-hearts Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:34:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/04/29/mail-tribune-students-on-a-mission-from-their-hearts Four local teenagers select Hearts with a Mission for their senior project

April 24, 2009

By Sanne Specht
Mail Tribune

Local high school teens are taking on a proposed homeless youth shelter as their senior project, swinging hammers and holding fundraising fashion shows and benefit concerts.

North [...]]]> Four local teenagers select Hearts with a Mission for their senior project

April 24, 2009

By Sanne Specht
Mail Tribune

Local high school teens are taking on a proposed homeless youth shelter as their senior project, swinging hammers and holding fundraising fashion shows and benefit concerts.

North Medford High School seniors Marcus Garrett, Lyndsey Davee, Kaleigh Powell and Meagan West say Hearts with a Mission, which will provide temporary, emergency shelter to homeless youths, is a cause that touches their hearts.

What: Concert to benefit Hearts with a Mission

When: 7 tonight

Where: Mountain Christian Fellowship, 1 E. Main St., Medford

Admission: Free, but donations accepted for Hearts with a Mission
Garrett put his prom plans on hold to stage a "Teens Helping Teens" benefit concert at 7 tonight at Mountain Christian Fellowship, 1 E. Main St., Medford.

Garrett scheduled the concert not realizing it would conflict with his senior prom. But the double-booking is a no-brainer for the 18-year-old. The concert took priority, he said.

"This cause hits close to home," said Garrett. "I know some of my friends have been on the streets."

Just in case he gets the opportunity to zip over to the dance during the concert's intermission, Garrett's parents rented him a tuxedo, he said.

"I might get over to my prom for a little bit in the middle," Garrett said. "But I want to be the first person there and the last person to leave to make sure the concert is a big success."

The concert will feature local musicians Chad Walker, Lexie Deats and Garrett's brother-in-law, Logan Martin, he said.

"I tried to make it a diverse mix," he said. "I'm really shooting for a full house."

West opted to help with the demolition part of Hearts with a Mission's efforts to create a shelter out of a dilapidated house at 521 Edwards St.

"I just wanted to do something beneficial for people who don't get a lot," West said.

Davee got all the fences donated for the property and "sent out tons of letters to friends and family."

Only three of Davee's letters have yet to come in, but she already has raised $300 from those, she said.

Davee also attended the charity fashion show designed to benefit the nonprofit organization last Sunday at 4 Daughters Irish Pub in Medford. "The Edge of Fashion in the Heart of Medford" was Powell's senior project. Powell said her goal was to "raise as much money for this amazing charity as possible."

"We raised over $1,300," Powell said. "I don't have an exact number yet as we are waiting to finalize T-shirt sales."

"Everyone was enjoying themselves and there were quite a lot of people," Davee added.

Hearts with a Mission founders are grateful for the help as they struggle to meet a September deadline for construction. The organization promised to open the shelter within a year after receiving a $200,000 federal block grant administered by the city of Medford in September 2008.

It's impressive the students are so committed to helping out other, less-fortunate teens, said Kevin Lamson, Hearts with a Mission executive director.

Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail sspecht@mailtribune.com.

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/04/17/mail-tribune-fashion-show-will-benefit-shelter-effort http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/04/17/mail-tribune-fashion-show-will-benefit-shelter-effort Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:39:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/04/17/mail-tribune-fashion-show-will-benefit-shelter-effort
A fashion show has been organized to benefit a group's effort to build a homeless shelter for teenagers in Medford.

North Medford High School student Kaleigh Powell organized the show, set for 3 p.m. Sunday at Four Daughters Irish Pub, 126 W. Main St., Medford. It is her senior project. Admission is $5 for adults, [...]]]>
A fashion show has been organized to benefit a group's effort to build a homeless shelter for teenagers in Medford.

North Medford High School student Kaleigh Powell organized the show, set for 3 p.m. Sunday at Four Daughters Irish Pub, 126 W. Main St., Medford. It is her senior project. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students.

The group Hearts with a Mission hopes to build the emergency shelter downtown but announced this week that it needs more money to complete the project.

Costly construction issues are plaguing its effort to meet its commitment to open the shelter within one year of receiving just over $200,000 in a federal block grant. The funds were awarded by the city on Sept. 12, 2008.

Powell said her goal is to "raise as much money for this amazing charity as possible."

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/04/17/mail-tribune-hearts-with-a-mission-hits-snag-when-building-its-youth-shelter http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/04/17/mail-tribune-hearts-with-a-mission-hits-snag-when-building-its-youth-shelter Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:22:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/04/17/mail-tribune-hearts-with-a-mission-hits-snag-when-building-its-youth-shelter Unexpected problems create need for funds or construction volunteers
April 17, 2009

By Sanne Specht
Mail Tribune
The founders of a youth shelter are seeking donations of cash and muscle so they can finish construction and meet a September deadline with the city of Medford.

Costly construction issues are [...]]]> Unexpected problems create need for funds or construction volunteers
April 17, 2009

By Sanne Specht
Mail Tribune
The founders of a youth shelter are seeking donations of cash and muscle so they can finish construction and meet a September deadline with the city of Medford.

Costly construction issues are plaguing efforts by Hearts with a Mission to meet its commitment to open the shelter within one year of receiving just over $200,000 in a federal block grant. The funds were awarded by the city on Sept. 12, 2008.

The shelter will provide temporary emergency shelter to homeless youths, ages 10 to 17, for up to 72 hours without parental consent and up to 120 days with consent, said Kevin Lamson, Hearts with a Mission executive director.

"We put roofs over our dogs and cats," said Lamson. "Why aren't we doing that for our kids?"

Lamson noted there is currently no shelter in Jackson County that will house homeless children unless they are accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian.

But the organization's vision for the house at 521 Edwards St. has hit a serious snag. Internal demolition, which began the first week of December and was completed within a month, revealed the house would need extensive work to its foundation — something the fledgling group hadn't planned on.

"There was very serious structural damage," said Lamson.

The delays have cost valuable time and the repairs will cost $40,000, "just to get it to the point where we can utilize our in-kind donations," he said.

"We finally got permits about two or three weeks ago," said Lamson. "Now we need money and general labor. If anybody has any construction knowledge, we could use their help."

More than $200,000 in in-kind donations has been committed to cover most of the other renovations. However, the group needs money for the foundation work, and additional skilled construction laborers are needed on a volunteer basis to work and guide other volunteers, Lamson said.

Lamson said the city has been supportive of the project, and he is grateful for the block grant money that was used to purchase the house. But Lamson voiced concerns over what might happen if the delays result in a failure to open when promised.

"The deadline creates some urgency," said Lamson. "The city has a deed restriction on the property. Could they force a sale? I don't know. We can theorize but it's kind of a gray area. I would hope that as long as we're working towards completion, that will help keep us going."

Medford City Councilman Bob Strosser said Tuesday he had no idea that the project was struggling. Lamson had appeared before the council on April 9 and had not mentioned the dilemma, he said.

"I'm blown away," Strosser said. "To my knowledge there has been no discussion before the council."

Strosser said he was glad to know the home's structural issues had been discovered and would be repaired. But he urged Lamson to discuss the shelter's status candidly with the council as soon as possible.

"At the last presentation, we were told it was all going well," he said. "We need to continue working together. If there is an issue, I would strongly suggest he broach that with the city."

It will take an additional $200,000 a year in operating revenue to run the shelter once the renovations are complete, Lamson said. Hearts with a Mission supporters hope to meet those costs through donations, fundraising, corporate sponsorships and grants.

R.A. Murphy Construction workers have donated help to try to resolve the shelter's structural issues. But Lamson said fundraising has been "slow."

"We haven't had that one angel who's stepped up with an open checkbook," he said. "We need people who will offer their time and their treasure. Creating this shelter is up to us as a community. It is not up to the city or the government."

Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail sspecht@mailtribune.com.

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/04/13/channel-5-video-broadcast http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/04/13/channel-5-video-broadcast Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:59:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/04/13/channel-5-video-broadcast Click here to watch the video. [...]]]> Click here to watch the video.

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/03/26/new-tv-spot-aims-to-raise-awareness http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/03/26/new-tv-spot-aims-to-raise-awareness Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:07:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/03/26/new-tv-spot-aims-to-raise-awareness
]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/02/16/jackson-county-home-show http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/02/16/jackson-county-home-show Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:25:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2009/02/16/jackson-county-home-show



Thank you to all who joined us at the Jackson County Home Show. It was a wonderful event, and we continue to be blessed by the support of our local community [...]]]>



Thank you to all who joined us at the Jackson County Home Show. It was a wonderful event, and we continue to be blessed by the support of our local community

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/12/16/demolition-time http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/12/16/demolition-time Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:23:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/12/16/demolition-time R. A. Murphy Construction. [...]]]> R. A. Murphy Construction.



]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/12/03/mail-tribune-hearts-with-a-mission http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/12/03/mail-tribune-hearts-with-a-mission Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:24:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/12/03/mail-tribune-hearts-with-a-mission Group turns dilapidated house on Edwards Street into shelter for homeless teens

December 03, 2008

By Sanne Specht
Mail Tribune

Clouds of dust spilled out the front door of an old gray house on Edwards Street in Medford Tuesday as workers began transforming the dilapidated building into a shelter for homeless [...]]]> Group turns dilapidated house on Edwards Street into shelter for homeless teens

December 03, 2008

By Sanne Specht
Mail Tribune

Clouds of dust spilled out the front door of an old gray house on Edwards Street in Medford Tuesday as workers began transforming the dilapidated building into a shelter for homeless teens.

Hearts with a Mission, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless youth, is converting the house into a nine-bedroom shelter that will provide a secure environment for boys and girls age 10 to 17 for a few days until they can be connected with service agencies, said Kevin Lamson, the group's founder and president.

Youth shelter work beginsMedford council releases grant for teen-shelter projectShelter grant put on hold The need for a shelter is clear. The Oregon Department of Education's 2007-2008 annual homeless report identified 1,647 homeless youths in Jackson County.

The Medford City Council gave Hearts with a Mission $200,000 in federal funds from the city's community development block grant to buy the house. Lamson said building expenses and renovations to transform the home into an emergency shelter will cost an additional $395,000.

That money will come from "individual donations, foundations, corporations, and in-kind support from local businesses," according to the group's business plan.

Operating expenses will be $381,000 annually, Lamson estimated.

A crew from Rogue Valley Youthbuild was working on the demolition Tuesday. Youthbuild is a national organization that helps high-school dropouts age 16 to 25 by putting them to work in construction. Students in the nine-month program spend half their time studying to earn a high-school-equivalency certificate and half their time learning construction skills by working on community projects.

"We're demo-ing out everything down to the studs," said crew leader Layne Morell.

He said the project would take the 15-person crew about two weeks to complete.

Two crew members, John Garfield, 20, and Carmen Orozco, 17, said ripping out the interior of the old home to make a shelter for other teens is hard work for a good cause.

Garfield said he was homeless himself for more than a year.

"I was old enough to go to the Gospel Mission," he said. "But I saw a lot of younger youth out on the street. They had nowhere to stay, and nothing to eat half the time."

Orozco dropped out of Eagle Point High School last year, saying she felt ignored and out of place. Her mother insisted she enroll in Youthbuild if she didn't attend school. Seven months into the program, Orozco said she wants to build her own home some day and is ready to take her GED test now.

Lamson said using the Youthbuild workers to do the demolition work seemed like a natural fit for the youth-oriented residential care shelter.

"It's a start," he said. "We knew we had to rip everything out of here. We've got youth helping youth. What better way to show kids you care about them?"

Lamson said he is still "acting on faith" regarding the money still needed to complete the project. The organization raised more than $65,000 at its first fundraiser, and businessmen such as Jim Akery, project coordinator for R.A. Murphy Construction, have been donating services to help move the shelter project forward, Lamson said.

"We're still accepting donations," he said.

To help, contact Lamson at 541-261-2625. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.heartswithamission.org.

Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail sspecht@mailtribune.com.


]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/10/17/mail-tribune-medford-council-releases-grant-for-teen-shelter-project http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/10/17/mail-tribune-medford-council-releases-grant-for-teen-shelter-project Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:26:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/10/17/mail-tribune-medford-council-releases-grant-for-teen-shelter-project
By Sanne Specht
Mail Tribune

A homeless teen shelter in downtown Medford is one step closer to reality after the City Council on Thursday voted unanimously to release more than $200,000 in promised community block grant money to Hearts with a Mission.

Kevin Lamson, founder and president, has said [...]]]>
By Sanne Specht
Mail Tribune

A homeless teen shelter in downtown Medford is one step closer to reality after the City Council on Thursday voted unanimously to release more than $200,000 in promised community block grant money to Hearts with a Mission.

Kevin Lamson, founder and president, has said the proposed shelter will provide boys and girls age 10 to 17 with a secure environment for 72 hours and link them with other service agencies.

Lamson's organization will use the federal funds to purchase and renovate a house on Edwards Street. Once it's developed and licensed as a residential care facility, the shelter would be eligible to receive funding through contracts with Jackson County Department of Human Services, Lamson said.

"This is a real answer to a prayer — to a lot of prayers," said Lamson.

The council voted unanimously May 2 to give $202,800 in community block grant funds to Hearts with a Mission. But concerns about the nonprofit group's fledgling status and questions regarding its business plan delayed release of the funds. Councilman Bob Strosser and other members said in September they would prefer the new nonprofit had its business plan worked out in detail. Strosser is out of town and did not attend Thursday's meeting.

At a workshop earlier this month, the council reviewed the organization's business plan and clarified its understanding of the contract, which states the Edwards Street property will be held as collateral for the grant should Hearts with a Mission fail.

Councilwoman Jill Stout is on the organization's board of directors. Hearts with a Mission had raised more than $65,000 at its first fundraiser, Stout said.

At Thursday's council meeting, Jim Akery, project coordinator for R.A. Murphy Construction, said his company would be donating its services to "help make it happen."

Akery said he would begin designing the shelter immediately.

"This is a real simple thing to get onboard with — helping homeless teens," said Akery.

Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail sspecht@mailtribune.com.

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/10/16/mail-tribune-medford-council-hands-over-200000-grant-to-teen-shelter-group http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/10/16/mail-tribune-medford-council-hands-over-200000-grant-to-teen-shelter-group Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:28:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/10/16/mail-tribune-medford-council-hands-over-200000-grant-to-teen-shelter-group
A shelter for homeless teens in Medford is one giant step closer to reality after the City Council voted unanimously today to release more than $200,000 in promised community block grant money to the organization, Hearts with a Mission.

Kevin Lamson, founder and president of Hearts with a Mission, has said the [...]]]>
A shelter for homeless teens in Medford is one giant step closer to reality after the City Council voted unanimously today to release more than $200,000 in promised community block grant money to the organization, Hearts with a Mission.

Kevin Lamson, founder and president of Hearts with a Mission, has said the proposed shelter will provide males and females, ages 10 to 17, with a secure environment for 72 hours and link them with other service agencies.

Lamson's organization will use the federal funds to purchase the property to develop the teen shelter to garner support and prove it will work, he said. Once licensed as a residential care facility, the shelter would be eligible to receive funding through contracts with Jackson County, Lamson said.

"This is a real answer to a prayer — to a lot of prayers," said Lamson.

The council voted unanimously to give $202,800 in federal funds to Hearts with a Mission to help purchase and renovate a house on Edwards Street, transforming it into an emergency shelter for homeless teens.

Concerns about the nonprofit group's fledgling status and questions regarding its business plan delayed the release of community block grant funds. Councilman Bob Strosser voted in may to give the money to the shelter in May, saying it was clear "that it was the will of the council" to fund the shelter. But Strosser consistently voiced concerns over giving such a large amount of money to "an unproven entity" at such an early stage in its development.

Strosser and other council members said in September they would prefer the new nonprofit had its business plan worked out in detail. Strosser is out of town and did not attend today's meeting.

At a workshop earlier this month, the council reviewed the organization's business plan and clarified its understanding of the contract which states the property slated to become the shelter is held as collateral for the grant should Hearts with a Mission fail.

— Sanne Specht

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/10/02/mail-tribune-shelter-put-on-hold http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/10/02/mail-tribune-shelter-put-on-hold Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:40:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/10/02/mail-tribune-shelter-put-on-hold
By Sanne Specht
Mail Tribune

MEDFORD — The City Council on Wednesday held off on releasing more than $200,000 in promised block grant money to help create a homeless teen shelter in downtown Medford.

More time is needed to review the business plan of the fledgling organization, Hearts with a [...]]]>
By Sanne Specht
Mail Tribune

MEDFORD — The City Council on Wednesday held off on releasing more than $200,000 in promised block grant money to help create a homeless teen shelter in downtown Medford.

More time is needed to review the business plan of the fledgling organization, Hearts with a Mission, council members said.

"I keep getting told to 'take it on faith,'" said Councilman Bob Strosser. "If it's my wallet, I'm entitled. I'm allowed to take a leap of faith. But this is public money."

The council voted unanimously May 2 to give more than $200,000 in federal funds in the form of a community block grant to Hearts with a Mission to help purchase and renovate a house on Edwards Street, transforming it into an emergency shelter for homeless teens.

Strosser has since voiced concerns over giving such a large amount of money to "an unproven entity" at such an early stage in its development. Strosser and other council members said Wednesday they would prefer the new nonprofit had its business plan worked out in detail.

"We voted to approve the money based on approving the business plan. These questions may not be popular. But we are required to perform due diligence," Strosser said.

Kevin Lamson, founder and president of Hearts with a Mission, said in an interview Monday the proposed shelter will provide boys and girls age 10 to 17 with a secure environment for 72 hours and link them with other service agencies.

Lamson's organization needs the block grant to purchase the property to develop the teen shelter to garner support and prove it will work, he said. Once licensed as a residential care facility, the shelter would be eligible to receive funding through contracts with Jackson County Department of Human Resources, Lamson said.

"We need to get open before any agency can work with us. Until it's open, it's just a concept," Lamson said, adding he did not understand why the council was taking so long to release the check.

The $202,800 in federal grant money covers only the cost of purchasing the house. Lamson estimates building expenses and initial renovation to transform the home into a nine-bedroom shelter will cost an additional $395,000. That money will come through "individual donations, foundation, corporation, and in-kind support from local businesses," according to the organization's business plan. Operating expenses will be $381,000 annually, Lamson estimated.

"As soon as we're done with our building plans, we will be able to go to the community," Lamson said.

Lamson, who worked in the automotive industry, said he's worked with nonprofits for the past four years but has never run a shelter. He became involved in the issue of homeless teens in 2006 and joined the county's Homeless Youth Task Force, he said.

"It was confirmed that the only thing that would help was to open a shelter," Lamson said. "We can all work together on this. The bottom line is these kids need a place to go. In a lot of cases, there's no safe place for them to go."

The May hearing was to consider the allocation of $614,230 in Community Development Block Grant funds. Hearts with a Mission requested $216,000. The amount has since been reduced to $202,800.

Strosser said Wednesday he wants to see clear performance guidelines and measurable monitors of success. The city and the nonprofit have a contract that states the grant money must be returned if Hearts with a Mission is not "successful" in five years. The requirements for that term must be clearly spelled out, Strosser said.

"How do we measure success, or not success?" he said.

Lamson's plan shows $150,000 in projected program income from the "faith community." Lamson said Monday he expects to rely heavily upon members of local churches, particularly when it comes to helping feed teens at the faith-based shelter.

"Part of practicing their faith is to serve the needy," said Lamson.

Lamson confirmed Councilwoman Jill Stout is now a board member for Hearts with a Mission. Stout was not a board member when the council approved the block grant in May, he said.

In September, Stout noted her affiliation with Hearts with a Mission before voting to approve the funds pending a business plan. The business plan shows Stout has donated $20 to the organization. Stout was not present at Wednesday's meeting.

The nonprofit's business plan will be discussed at the Oct. 9 council study session. The matter will be voted upon at the council meeting on Oct 16.

Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail sspecht@mailtribune.com.

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/05/02/mail-tribune-medford-funds-propose-homeless-teen-shelter http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/05/02/mail-tribune-medford-funds-propose-homeless-teen-shelter Fri, 02 May 2008 16:45:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/05/02/mail-tribune-medford-funds-propose-homeless-teen-shelter Public hearing convinces City Council to allocate $216,000 in federal grant money to nonprofit group

May 02, 2008
By Meg Landers
Mail Tribune

MEDFORD — Following an emotional public hearing that lasted nearly three hours, the Medford City Council voted unanimously late Thursday to give $216,000 in federal [...]]]> Public hearing convinces City Council to allocate $216,000 in federal grant money to nonprofit group

May 02, 2008
By Meg Landers
Mail Tribune

MEDFORD — Following an emotional public hearing that lasted nearly three hours, the Medford City Council voted unanimously late Thursday to give $216,000 in federal funds to a new shelter for homeless teens.

Amber Hill of Medford told the council she and her mother have taken in at least 13 homeless children in the past five years.

It's hard, you know?" she said, breaking down in tears. "If they're being hit, mentally abused, sexually abused, why go home?"

Homeless youths need a safe place, she said.

"If we can do it, let's do it," she said, and the audience exploded into applause.

The hearing was to consider the allocation of $614,230 in Community Development Block Grant funds. Hearts with a Mission nonprofit organization requested $216,000 to help purchase and renovate a house on Edwards Street for an emergency shelter for homeless teens.

The shelter will provide males and females, ages 10 to 17, with a secure environment for 72 hours and link them with other service agencies.

Councilman Bob Strosser said he struggled with an organization at such an early stage requesting such a large amount of money. He'd prefer the nonprofit had its business plan, including funding for operations, worked out in detail.

Kevin Lamson, founder and president of Hearts with a Mission, said "concepts don't sell," adding that they need to have a building before donors and supporters will get behind them. He estimated operating costs will be $468,000 annually.

Bill Hale, one of more than a dozen rugged-looking Harley-Davidson bikers supporting the shelter, said he learned in the past two months about homeless youths when two of his teenage grandchildren ran away from home. They returned with rough stories, he said.

"I really saw a need," said Hale, a member of a Christian ministry motorcycle club.

But Karen Blair, a real estate agent, and member of the Housing and Community Development Commission that recommended approval, said she was troubled that it was such a new organization and it was requesting such a large sum of money.

"I question the sustainability of a program like this only because it's taking the fast track," she said.

Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail mlanders@mailtribune.com.

]]> http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/05/01/mail-tribune-non-profit-seeks-house-for-homeless-teens http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/05/01/mail-tribune-non-profit-seeks-house-for-homeless-teens Thu, 01 May 2008 16:47:00 +0000 HWAM http://heartswithamission.org/blog/2008/05/01/mail-tribune-non-profit-seeks-house-for-homeless-teens Hearts with a Mission will seek federal Community Development Block Grant money allotted by the city of Medford


May 1, 2008
By Meg Landers
Mail Tribune

A budding organization is seeking $216,000 in federal money disbursed by the city to establish an emergency shelter for homeless teens.

"Youth do not [...]]]> Hearts with a Mission will seek federal Community Development Block Grant money allotted by the city of Medford


May 1, 2008
By Meg Landers
Mail Tribune

A budding organization is seeking $216,000 in federal money disbursed by the city to establish an emergency shelter for homeless teens.

"Youth do not belong in a shelter, youth belong in a family," said Kevin Lamson, president of Hearts with a Mission, a nonprofit organization. "But a lot of times there are families out there that aren't the best place for a youth to be in, for whatever reason. This is a huge need in our area."

A Medford City Council public hearing is scheduled for 7 tonight to consider the allocation of $614,230 in Community Development Block Grants, a portion of which could go to Hearts with a Mission to buy a house on Edwards Street. Every year the council holds a public hearing to review the spending of the CDBG funds.

Lamson said he's served on the board of Helping Hands International, a disaster relief organization, for four years, and the work inspired him to help those in need locally.

The Medford resident said a third party has already purchased the house, and if awarded the grant the organization would buy it for $200,000. The house was once a group home for Living Opportunities.

Many teens have been kicked out of their homes, live in abusive homes or face other dangerous situations, said Lamson. The shelter would provide teens with a safe, secure environment for 72 hours and link them with other services if needed, such as drug treatment programs, he said. The residential care facility would provide temporary emergency shelter to teenagers through a Christian-based approach, though Lamson said there's no church responsible for the organization and clients would not be required to attend church.

Planning is still in the early phases, though Lamson said he's optimistic that things can move fast.

"I would love to have it open before the snow flies," he said, but added, "we haven't even started to raise the funds to renovate it yet."

Medford Police Chief Randy Schoen supports the idea of an emergency teen shelter, though statistics on homeless teens in Medford were not readily available.

"The police department really doesn't know how big a problem it is," he said.

As long as the organization works closely with law enforcement and community services and takes precautions to weed out predatory teens or adults, he said, it can provide a needed service.

Lamson said precautions will be taken to prevent problems like those at the youth shelter in Talent seven years ago.

In 2001, state and county investigators closed the Community Works Youth Diagnostic Shelter in Talent after two workers were charged with sexually abusing eight teenage clients. One was sentenced to six years in prison, the other to four years.

He said motion detectors can alert others if someone enters or leaves a room. He also plans to do extensive background checks and fingerprinting of all staff and volunteers.

"You have to take all the safety precautions you can," he said.

The CDBG funds, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, total $614,230. That's down 3.5 percent from last year's $636,217, said Louise Dix, neighborhood resource coordinator for Medford.

CDBG funds are based on population and poverty statistics, Dix said. Though Medford's continue to worsen, the federal government is allocating less, she said.

The annual grant goes to urban areas for assistance for affordable housing, public health and safety and other services for low- and moderate-income residents.

The council holds a public hearing every year to receive information on the proposed distribution of the funds, as recommended by the Housing and Community Development Commission.

In addition to the Hearts with a Mission project, proposed allocations include $50,000 to the Salvation Army for city utilities for the Hope House Transitional Shelter, $35,000 to the Housing Authority of Jackson County to rehabilitate a West Main Street apartment complex, $20,000 to the Medford Senior Center and others.

Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail mlanders@mailtribune.com.

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