Greetings From our Chairman

 Dear Friend,

As this year’s Chair of Amos House’s Board of Directors, I am more aware than ever of the need in the community. Amos House has been a resource for poor and homeless men, women, and children for 33 years, but never has that need been greater than it is now. Rhode Island’s unemployment rate is one of the highest in the United States and approximately 3,000 families are expected to be negatively impacted by benefit changes that will take effect next month. During these difficult times, Amos House is working hard to keep families in their homes, create jobs, and provide positive options for those who need some assistance.

I am proud to let you know that, despite the turbulent economy, Amos House is doing well. We are still growing – we recently purchased our 12th building that will become our new Mother-Child Reunification Center and are preparing to open our next two micro-businesses. The Friendship Café will provide a new training center for our Amos Culinary Education (ACE) Program and will create jobs for ACE graduates. Fresh Start, our home improvement business, will put students and graduates of our Amos Carpentry Training (ACT) Program to work in the construction industry. While we are excited about the growth of our micro-businesses that create jobs, funding for ACE and ACT - both important and successful job training programs - continues to be a challenge.

We are also experiencing growth in less planned areas. The lines for our soup kitchen get longer each day and the numbers of those in need of financial assistance grow steadily. The waiting list for a bed in one of our Transitional Shelters is longer than ever before. However, we are determined to continue to be there for those who are most in need during these trying times.

I am asking you to consider a gift to Amos House at a time when it makes such a significant difference in the lives of many. Together, we can ensure that the important services provided by Amos House continue and that people in need have a place to turn.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Amos House.

Sincerely,
Kevin McDevitt
Chair, Amos House Board of Directors