2022 YEAR IN REVIEW
What do a livable home, transportation, and beds all have in common? They are the three areas of focus that the 320+ members, volunteers, donors, and other contributors of Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) supported during 2022 to help those in need in Greene and Putnam Counties. NHN is proud of the work and contributions from these groups and thankful for all of the community support. Without active members and additional volunteers and donors, NHN could not have accomplished as much as it did this past year.
Speaking of accomplishments, here’s a brief summary of how the NHN ‘team of hundreds’ supported those in need in 2022 through physical and/or financial support.
Completed 40 home repair projects this year at a cost of $205,000.
Made and delivered 133 beds at a cost of $33,250.
Purchased and delivered 4 cars and repaired 10 others at a cost of $31,000.
NHN focuses on homes, transportation, and beds for good reason: there are approximately 7,500 people living in poverty in Greene and Putnam Counties and no other charitable organization is designed to help those in need with these three important quality-of-life areas.
One-time critical-need home repairs, repairing or replacing a primary vehicle, and Beds for Kidz—for kids who don't have a bed of their own—is how NHN provides a hand up, not a handout, to individuals and families.
Each project is a story of outstanding volunteers’ service to the community in 2022. A few highlights:
A lot of stress for a local mom was eased and her family’s life was made a little better. The woman’s young son has cancer and they needed their bathroom tub converted to a shower stall so her son could more easily bathe. In addition, the bathroom floor was unstable so the flooring was reinforced to ensure the room was safe to use. Without help from NHN they would still be struggling.
It’s not often you find a highly motivated teenager who also has been abandoned by her parents. At 16 this young woman left home and rented space with a friend. Since then, she has worked two jobs to pay her own way. At 17 she was officially emancipated from her parents by the State of Georgia. At 18 she now works two jobs while attending school. Despite all of her issues, this young woman maintains a 3.9 GPA in school and a positive outlook on life. Through great teamwork with the Episcopal Church in Greensboro a 2006 car was located with under 100,000 miles in beautiful condition. So that she could have her own transportation for school and work, NHN purchased and then provided the young woman with the car. She is college and military bound and on her way to a very successful life. NHN really does change lives and is very proud that it was able to be of help. To view a video of her receiving her car go to the NHN website: nhnga.org >Our Programs >Vehicles.
An urgent call from Social Services was received by a NHN volunteer. A mother and her three young boys had just been removed from their home due to spousal and child abuse. A rental home had been located for them by Social Services but there was a desperate need for furniture as all the furniture they owned was left behind. The NHN Beds For Kidz team got busy and in less than a week, the three boys were delivered three twin beds —built by the First United Methodist Church Men’s Mission Team in partnership with NHN—including mattresses, sheets, pillows, and comforters. nhnga.org >Our Programs >Beds For Kidz.
NHN primarily serves low-income families, older adults, children, single working mothers and their children, military veterans, and developmentally and/or physically challenged individuals.
In 2022 NHN was fortunate and blessed to have received outstanding support from many neighbors in Greene and Putnam Counties. For 2023, the women and men of NHN are looking forward to another helpful and successful year of assisting those in need in the community. The key to continued success in 2023 is to reach more neighbors through increased levels of donations, membership, and volunteer hours. Participation in any or all of those areas from those in the community is appreciated.
The greatest need for NHN right now is for volunteers who can help with social media and fund raising. If interested in helping please email any of the committee chairs or officers through the NHN website: nhnga.org >About Us >Our Team.
For more information, to apply for assistance, to become a member, and/or to donate to Neighbors Helping Neighbors please go to the NHN website at nhnga.org. To talk to someone directly please call Bob Massey, NHN president, at 706-816-9820.
