HISTORY:
In April 2007 Housing for New Hope began the PATH Street Outreach Program in Orange County. In November 2007, Real Change from Spare Change was launched to help fund the outreach program. The street outreach team includes social workers, formerly homeless individuals known as Peer Specialists, and Housing Support Specialists. Since the spring of 2007, the PATH Street Outreach program has outreached to over 700 homeless individuals. PATH has helped over 50 individuals access supportive mental health services, over 15 individuals get alcohol and/or drug treatment, and over 200 people begin the path to safe, supportive housing...all in Orange County.

FUNDING:
Real Change from Spare Change contributes 90% of all funds raised to Housing for New Hope's Street Outreach Team. The remaining 10% is used to increase education efforts. Since November 2007, we have raised nearly $30,000. All contributions are tax deductible.

PROJECTS:
We partner with many organizations to educate the community on responsible giving, homelessness issues and provide hands-on ways for the community to participate:

--Sponsor of the Talking Sidewalks Literary Magazine

--Host public forums in the community. One forum featured Housing for New Hope street outreach workers and formerly homeless individuals. The other event, “Homeless to Housing” convened a panel of local professionals for a brown bag lunch discussion on the actual path that a homeless person would take from the initial outreached moment until they get into stabilized housing in Orange County.

-- Work closely with UNC students and classes to create a video PSA, create print marketing tools, conduct an evaluation of the initiative, hold fundraisers, and conduct research.

--Coordinate the donation of 10 bicycles, helmets, locks and a bike rack to IFC's Community House in the spring of 2009. The bicycles are used by men staying at the Community House to get to/from work, attend classes, search for jobs, and visit family & friends. The need for these bicycles came from the constant struggle these men had for reliable, safe transportation; particularly during third shift, or to places that the bus system didn't reach. Thank you to the overwhelmingly generous donations of these items from Performance Bicycle and The Recyclery. Both organizations responded quickly and extremely generously to our call for donations!

-- Sponsor collection drives like the 'Come Out of the Cold! Donation Drive in January 2010. The drive collected much needed items to help homeless individuals in Orange County during the Federally mandated Point in Time count. We collected 143 blankets & sleeping bags, 133 jackets, 79 toiletry kits and almost 250 hats/gloves/scarves. Thank you to everyone that contributed to help those in need in our community!

-- Sponsor the printing of the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness's Pocket Guide to Services - that features community services and housing opportunities for those in our community that need help. This guide is a great tool for anyone to print out and have available for when they see someone in need or panhandling!

--Sponsor the Homeless Near & Far Concert in April 2010. The concert, born from a UNC student's class assignment, showcased the musical talents of local bands and the homeless community, and raised awareness about homelessness in our community! The event featured keynote speakers, great music, great food, local organizations and much more. All funds raised went towards the Community Empowerment Fund.

-- Assist in the coordination of the annual Project Homeless Connect event in Chapel Hill to help those that are homeless (or at risk of experiencing homelessness) in getting a wide-range of services in one location, in one day. The next event will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2010 at Hargraves Community Center from 9:00 AM to 3:30 AM. More detailed information coming soon!

OUR PARTNERS:
Housing for New Hope
Housing for New Hope serves the needs of homeless individuals, as well as those who are at risk of becoming homeless, in Durham and Orange Counties. Programs include homeless outreach, housing and clinical support, homeless prevention, transitional housing, and permanent housing. For information visit www.housingfornewhope.org.

The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness
The Partnership includes Orange County and the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough. This is a collaborative effort, led by an Executive Team, to realize the goals of the 10 Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. Through the combined efforts of elected officials, service providers, business leaders, government agencies, and the citizens of Orange County, chronic homelessness in Orange County will end within 10 years. For more information visit http://www.co.orange.nc.us/housing/endinghomelessness.asp.

Inter-Faith Council for Social Service
The Inter-Faith Council for Social Service meets basic needs and helps individuals and families achieve their goals. They provide shelter, food, direct services, advocacy and information to people in need. They accomplish this through strong partnerships with volunteers, staff and those they serve. For more information visit www.ifcweb.org.

HOPE
The Homeless Outreach Poverty Eradication (HOPE) is a social activist, volunteer organization that encourages UNC students to confront homelessness issues facing both the campus and the larger community.HOPE brings attention to the causes and conditions of homelessness through awareness campaigns and provides immediate relief to the hungry and homeless through volunteer programs and clothing drives.HOPE offers many creative and meaningful ways for people to get involved. Visit here to find out more: http://www.unc.edu/campusyhope/Home.html.

Real Change From Spare Change is endorsed by:
Town of Chapel Hill
Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness
Daily Tar Heel Newspaper
The University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership
Carrboro Economic Sustainability Commission
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce
Inter-Faith Council
Chapel Hill Orange County Visitor's Bureau
PTA Thrift Shop, Inc.
Foundation for a Sustainable Community
Housing for New Hope
Julian's
University Florist
BB&T – Chapel Hill Main
Business Class
DPM Properties
Draper Properties, LLC
RBC Centura Bank
The Bookshop
Edward Jones
Local 506
411 West Restaurant
Spanky's Restaurant
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Please consider endorsing Real Change from Spare Change today!