Your donation is in good hands – click to learn about JFS’ 100 PERFECT SCORE rating on Charity Navigator
Click and watch videos featuring Barbara, Ilona, Sabira, Janeth and Lois
(pictured above, clockwise)
Dear Friends:
We hope your summer is off to a good start. While these warm and sunny months for many are a time to relax and recharge, we at JFS are full steam ahead responding to the many calls we receive each day for help from individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.
An alarming trend is that we are hearing from more and more community members who are facing homelessness or living on the streets. We are seeing lingering effects from the pandemic, skyrocketing housing costs, and a shortage of affordable housing options. A job loss, the death of a partner or a change in health status can easily throw an already tenuous situation into chaos for those who are already vulnerable.
In the last year, JFS has seen more Jewish community members facing homeless than ever before.
JFS Family Assistance client Barbara, an older adult who requires handicapped accessible housing, was living in a rooming house that was emergency, temporary shelter. She needed to find safe, long-term housing. Her JFS case manager worked tirelessly, looking for openings, helping Barbara fill out housing applications, and eventually was able to find her an affordable, one bedroom apartment in a suitable and welcoming community.
“After my JFS case manager would leave, I would cry because I was so moved by the effort she was putting in for me; she never gave up. Without the help of JFS, I would probably be in a shelter or on the street.”
As JFS works to resettle families fleeing from violence in their home countries, housing is the biggest obstacle.
Fleeing the war in Ukraine, Ilona, a scientist and science journalist applied to come to the United States with her young son and work with the Heal Ukraine Group. When notice came that she was arriving within a few days, her sponsors called JFS because she needed housing. Working with a network of volunteers and community partners, JFS was able to coordinate housing for her that was suitable for both her and her son.
“There is a park to go to walk, playgrounds, library, other kids to play with. I am so grateful to JFS – thank you!”
These success stories are a small sample of the life-saving work JFS does every day. Last year JFS made a difference in the lives of over 7,500 individuals, providing critical assistance that was only possible because of YOUR donations. Over 80% of JFS’ operating budget is funded by philanthropic dollars. To continue to provide these services, we need your help.
Please make an unrestricted donation today so that no matter what the need – from preventing homelessness to increasing access to healthcare; from putting food on the table to ensuring young students have the tools they need to thrive – JFS has the resources needed to answer the call when our community’s most vulnerable members turn to us for help.
Thank you for partnering with JFS to make a difference in our community.
Sincerely,
YOUR DONATION IS IN GOOD HANDS
JFS’ sound fiscal management practices and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a multi-year 4-star rating from Charity Navigator with a perfect score of 100% – less than one-tenth of 1% of charities rated earn a perfect score!) so you can have confidence that your donation will drive change and make a difference. Click here to learn more.