In 2021, maintaining stable housing became increasingly difficult as the eviction and foreclosure moratoria lifted, unemployment benefits ended, and the pandemic persisted. The disparities that existed in healthcare, public safety, income, education, housing and the workforce long before this pandemic arrived worsened. COVID-19 continues to underscore the necessity of accessible, affordable, safe, and sustainable housing.

In the midst of such strife, our community remains resilient and optimistic. We are working alongside residents, local leaders, and community partners to meet the immediate needs of our neighbors. We have advocated for equitable housing policies, and created wealth-building opportunities for individuals, families, and our community as a whole. We are adopting new technologies to serve families better, as well as exploring new ways to connect with and support our clients to ensure that our services and resources would remain accessible to all. 

Your donation today makes it possible for us to be flexible and responsive to our community’s most urgent and emergent needs. Your continued support will allow families to create and maintain stable home environments in thriving, diverse communities where they can live, learn, work, play, and grow. Please join us again this year by mailing a check or donating online at www.stambros.org/donate today.
Here's how we've helped families attain and maintain their housing in 2021-- and what we'll be doing in 2022 with you by our side.
Twenty-four years ago, having a master’s degree and a steady, purpose-driven job might not have seemed possible. When Ms. Jensen first came to St. Ambrose, she had been dealing with chronic homelessness, housing instability, and addiction for two decades. Now that she has been living in a St. Ambrose home for nearly the same amount of time, she reflects on the ways her life has changed.
“It was nice being there. It felt so good to be able to just lay my head on a clean bed and take a shower and stuff like that. I was just so happy that somebody opened up their home to me and other people as well. It changed my life. It helped me become more stable. My mind was everywhere, but just to have somewhere stable, it helps the mind calm down a lot.”
Did you know: this year, nearly half of the residents who moved into a St. Ambrose home indicated that they were homeless, had experienced homelessness, or had been at risk of becoming homeless when they applied for housing?
 
Every day at St. Ambrose, we help our families make themselves at home in strong, stable communities where they can develop relationships with neighbors and create stable home environments where their children are able to live, learn, and grow.
2021 has presented continued housing and financial challenges. For families, it’s been particularly burdensome. Lost jobs, illness, the distance between those we love and rely on, and housing insecurity have many teetering on the edge simply trying to keep a roof over their heads. That's why we reach out to you: your support goes to our Adopt-A-Family Emergency Fund to provide respite now and throughout the year. 

The Adopt-A-Family Emergency Fund gives families access to a wide variety of items, including food, kitchen utensils, beds, and bedding. For many, having access to these items can be life changing.