Extra Mile Homes: Hope for Housing Security

Since 2015, our vision for Extra Mile Homes has been to foster life transformation and provide the support needed to regain stability for every unhoused family with children who calls us for help.

Last year, Jocelyn joined our team to give more attention and focus to families involved in the program. She says, "I've had the joy of helping a single mom finally obtain her driver's license, helping a single mom with five kids move into permanent housing, seeing a mom be reunited with her daughter because she could prove she had a permanent address, providing furniture and beds to a family moving out of a hotel, and so much more!"

We've operated with a range of 4 to 7 homes over the past 7 years, and we are currently running a campaign to increase our transitional housing capacity to house 12 families at any time.

When her rental home's mold problem was not addressed, Hatiana knew she needed to move so her family could have a safe place to live. However, finding an affordable home in which to move became increasingly difficult. "I was tired of living under financial stress, and I wanted to provide a home and stability for my three children."

Currently, she and her children, ages 5, 10, and 15, are living in an Extra Mile Home. Hatiana is saving 50% of her income and working full time while they wait for an income based housing unit or a housing choice voucher.

Through partnership with the Columbia Credit Union and Cars for Columbia, she received a car - ensuring that she has reliable transportation to continue getting to work and moving forward.

We are incredibly proud of her hard work and excited to see her thrive!

If you are interested in donating a car, email us at office@lovecolumbia.org.

Over The Edge: Tiauna's Story

Tiauna, a former Love Columbia program participant, will be rappelling with us at Over The Edge this October for her second time.

She told us, "Taking on my new role as a realtor has really allowed me to see the bigger picture. I want to see the people in my community do well and build a sense of ownership and belonging. There are times that I felt like going over the edge, but I had a community to back me and build me up. I want to do the same for others."

Rachel Tiemeyer with Thriving Home hosted a pizza-making party for several of our families!

Rachel partnered with us through our newest program, Healthy Homes & Tables, to teach new skills and provide relational support.

The pizza party was part of the program's skills groups, where clients get to learn from a volunteer in one of the following areas: cooking, gardening, sewing, crafting, and recreation.

After surveying the families enrolled in our programs, 79.2% of parents reported interested in skill groups/ clubs for their children.

Sherry has helped two families in difficult transitions downsize to more affordable housing to achieve their goal of making ends meet.

After helping a Love Seat furniture bank volunteer team move an older woman, Nina, into her home, the two continued to stay in touch. This week, she helped a 92-year-old and his wife who had to move when their landlord sold the house they were renting.

Sherry shares about her volunteer experience in the video below and gives advice to anyone who is considering getting involved as a volunteer as well!

"I graduated from regular finances to advanced business finances."

"I'm doing the best I have been in a long time. I am paying off my last loan before I am debt free!"

"I paid off $5000 in loans in less than a year!"

-Student who had two payday loans and a debt to Mizzou that was preventing her from beginning school again at MACC.

"I moved into a house in Arizona! I was able to port my voucher and be closer to family."

Registration is open. Rappel the Tiger Hotel on an adventure to bring hope.

We'll see you there on October 29th!

For Donation Inquiries/Scheduling Pick-Ups:

Text the word "LOVE" to 573-282-5396

Send to 1209 E Walnut

Columbia, MO 65201

Give securely at lovecolumbiamo.org