Our Program on Tuesday, January 7th was the incredible Martha Brannon and her associate Theresa and spoke about the great work of the His House Foundation in our community.  Martha is well known to many of our Rotarians for her selfless work on behalf of those that are in need, homeless and those in crisis not served by other agency services.  His House use to be in Minnetonka but has now moved to the Moravian Church in Chaska.  His House provides free services, clothing, household items, food and furniture to families in transition from homelessness.  His House is a non-profit 501c3 and receives its funding through donations with all volunteer workers. Their Main programs are: STARTER KITS for families transitioning out of homelessness, ABUNDANCE FOOD SHARING to distribute food people in transition, and SLEEP-OUT to create awareness of homelessness.
     Martha educated and amazed us with the depth of services available to these vulnerable people and families.  Part of their program includes Families Moving Forward where homeless families sleep in the evenings at participating churches and then work or seek employment during the day.  Once they have employment then they are helped to find housing and rent assistance.  His House supplies them with beds, mattresses, dressers, tables and basic necessities such as pots and pans, dishes, silverware and other household items to help them establish a functional home for their families.  Beyond some rent assistance they also help in car repair costs so that they can keep transportation to their jobs.  His House works with other community agencies and churches and also provides active case management to help people in transition to find their way.  
     Martha urged Rotarians to help by contributing diapers and pullups, basic housewares of dishes, silverware, pots and pans, clothing – sweatpants, yoga pants, t-shirts, and sweatshirts, towels and shower supplies, laundry detergents and quarters, gift cards of any denomination for gas and groceries.  Members can physically help to move families and to help as special events.  Martha also reminded us that these people are truly in need and trying to get their lives back together and not taking advantage of these systems.  Our club needs to get behind the Martha and the fine work of His House