Saturday, May 31, 2014

ROOF Board Members tour new unit!

ROOF Over Head just purchased its fourth unit and is looking for a new family to join the program. Below are some pictures of some of ROOF's board touring the new unit.











 


ROOF accepting applications for two housing units

May 30, 2014

 Newburyport Daily News
NEWBURYPORT — Roof Over Head Collaborative, Inc. (ROOF), a nonprofit organization providing supportive, transitional housing and social services to l...ocal homeless and at-risk families, has two housing openings.
“Our board is very pleased to announce that we have received a substantial grant of $60,000 from Franklin Square House Foundation located in Boston,” said Walter Power, co-president of ROOF, in a press release.
“This generous grant together with several other donations has enabled ROOF to purchase our fourth home in Newburyport. In addition, ROOF graduated a family recently and a second unit has become available in Amesbury. As a result we are actively seeking applications from families in need.”
ROOF is accepting applications for two current housing opportunities. Families with children, who are motivated to improve their financial situation, live in safe, supportive housing and work with counselors, should apply. Families can email info@RoofOverHead.org for an application or visit www.roofoverhead.org for more information.
ROOF takes a unique approach to help the nearly 300 local families facing homelessness. The goal is to help financially at-risk families with dependent children who have the ability and motivation to contribute to their housing costs. Once a family is selected, they are required to meet with a social services representative for regularly scheduled budget, employment and educational counseling. All client families’ identities are kept in confidence.
“I was approached by an elderly man at a recent ROOF benefit,” said Kerri Perry, ROOF co-president. “He introduced me to his 10-month-old grandson, who is living in a ROOF home. Clutching my hand, he thanked me for keeping his grandson in his life. His grandson’s family was headed toward homelessness and probably moving away until they were accepted into our program. We were able to keep the family local as they get back on their feet.”
ROOF’s program is designed to provide housing for up to two years. Rents increase at appropriate milestone points to help ensure families build the financial management skills and budget stability that will enable them to pay market rate rents by the end of their lease. In addition to signing a lease with ROOF, families sign a Memorandum of Understanding outlining their responsibilities and the expectations of the ROOF program.
ROOF was founded in 2009 and since then has housed five families in safe, supportive housing and now owns four properties. The ROOF program houses families in safe, supportive homes for up to two years while the family works to regain their financial independence. At the end of the program, the family, with the help of the social services partner, is moved into permanent housing.
To sustain this program, Roof relies on partners, private donors and volunteers who provide funding, advocacy, social services and volunteer hours. ROOF maintains a dedicated board of directors and works with a legion of local volunteers to solve the issue of homelessness in the community. Learn more about ROOF at www.roofoverhead.com.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Music for Food: A Night of Hot Classical and Cool Jazz


On May 30, 2014, at 7:30 PM, a benefit concert featuring local professional musicians and talented youth musicians from the Preparatory School of New England Conservatory will take place in Newburyport at The First Religious Society, with all proceeds going to Pettengill House in Salisbury. 

           

The program will include original music, as well as masterpieces ranging from a Dvorák Piano Trio to well-loved Jazz Standards, played by local legends such as Kristen Miller, Danny Harrington, Lea Pearson, and Lark Madden and the Jazz Vespers Band. 

           

Local student and pianist Mateo Lincoln is organizing this event through Music for Food, which is a musician-led initiative to fight hunger in Boston area communities.   Music For Food embraces the tenet that music and food are essential for life, as they both enrich us and allow us to grow.  The organization strives to empower musicians of all ages to use their artistry to further social justice.

           

The First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 26 Pleasant Street in Newburyport.  The concert is open for all ages and there will be a $10 suggested donation at the door.   

 

For more information, call 978-465-7765, or email Mateo Lincoln at mateolincoln@gmail.com.  To learn more about Music for Food visit www.musicforfoodboston.org.