Homes and Homelessness
Bethesda House
A non-judgmental hospitality center serving the homeless and others in need of a safe haven or referral services.
Activities: Volunteers greet guests, listen to their circumstances, prepare and serve food, socialize (play scrabble, cards, puzzles, chess, etc.) and assist guests in placing phone calls. Volunteers may assist a guest with reading or writing skills, referrals to other social service agencies and filling out forms and applications.
Contact: Tom Morley 374-7873
E-Mail: tmmbethesda@nycap.rr.com
Home Furnishings Program
Exists to supply used household furnishings in good repair to people in need.
Activities: Volunteers may join the team at St. Stephens's church as they pick up and deliver household items.
Contact: Richey Woodzell 372-9398
Better Neighborhoods, Inc.
Rehabilitates homes in the inner city of Schenectady for rent or sale to low to moderate income families. Counseling in home ownership is also provided.
Activities: Volunteers assist directly with the rehabilitation of homes. They are involved in painting, carpentry and construction of all sorts.
Contact: Ed August 372-6469
Email: www.better-neighborhoods.org
Inner City Housing Task Force
Focuses on housing concerns and issues, especially by lending financial aid to non public assistance families for security deposits.
Activities: The Task Force currently is focusing on developing and supporting affordable housing efforts, monitoring Code Enforcement efforts, Community Reinvestment Act, and Community Development Block Grants priorities. Volunteers may assist in researching and implementing some of these efforts. In addition to attending Task Force meetings volunteers can work on rehabilitation or new building projects.
Contact: Phil Grigsby 374-2683
Email: revphil@sicm.us