Financial Literacy Class – August 2021

The people who find themselves homeless today face multiple challenges as they seek, and strive to maintain, stable housing. At the Christian Shelter, this journey begins with an interview with our staff to allow us to develop references to other service organizations whose focus is helping the homeless. By the time most people arrive at our doors for assistance, their financial resources have been depleted. Sometimes they need to obtain identification cards, medicine prescriptions, transportation for a job interview, housing referrals or financial counseling.

In the photograph, volunteer Barbara Emery teaches a financial literacy class to guests staying at the Christian Shelter. Emery, a retired high school economics teacher, developed a curriculum which she uses to teach her students. The class covers several key life competencies: making good choices; assessing your marketable talents; establishing life goals; and prioritizing personal needs and wants.

The Christian Shelter offers many services that empower guests to make practical decisions regarding their housing. Everything that a guest experiences during their housing search improves their confidence and feeling of self-worth, as they are guided toward attaining a permanent place to live. We are most grateful to Barbara Emery’s desire to volunteer and serve those in urgent need.