Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center

Sorry for the major delay in posting this. I don't monitor this page as, Genny always has. I found out about this today. May Genny's soul rest in peace. She was truly an angel sent to us in many ways. Dec. 21st 2019 ___________... In memory of Genny O’Donnell It is with a broken heart that RHD announces the passing of Genny O’Donnell, the only director RHD’s Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center has ever known, colleague, advocate, and dear friend. Genny passed away unexpectedly this week, and leaves a legacy of passionate devotion to people in need that changed and saved the lives of thousands of people who received support in breaking the cycle of homelessness thanks to Genny. In lieu of flowers, Genny’s family is asking for donations to assist with the development of a new building for CHOC in her memory. Genny’s devotion and love for people especially those who were vulnerable, marginalized, and in need was evident to everyone who met her. She touched the lives of countless people and taught us so much about compassion, commitment, and passion for working with people in need. She was loved by so many and her loss will be deeply felt at RHD and by all those fortunate enough to have known her.

We'll soon attach our pics as well. In the meantime.... WE LOVE YOU ALL.! Yes, the food was great! Yes, the gifts were great and over the top. However, each of you with your hearts that you so generously shared, your ears with which you listened deeply and intently, and your stories which weaved in and out with ours were probably the greatest of gifts of all. Silent Night to each and everyone. See you next year, if not sooner.

CHOC is in need of blankets. If able to help with new or lightly used we would be most appreciative! Thank You.CHOC is in need of blankets. If able to help with new or lightly used we would be most appreciative! Thank You.

https://www.pjphs.org/apps/news/article/1130315 Thank you Pope John Paul II and Neumann Goretti High Schools for your integrity (following through on a friendly wager), fresh soft pretzels, and for your act of kindness. Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

Thank you Vested Energy. The 36 meals were shared with former residents and shut-ins.

Speaking of Celebration: NAMI, Montgomery County held their Holiday Celebration last night. NAMI's mission is to provide, at no cost, support, education and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI deserves Celebration, they are serious regarding their mission and they playfully and kindly fulfill it. They celebrate those they serve and those that serve with them, in strong, personal, and effective ways. Part of last night's celebration incl...uded collecting donations for those living at the CHOC. NAMI, you fill us up and we celebrate you. Thank You!

Yesterday was another awesome day at CHOC. 1847 Financial brought lunch and gifts for everyone. At the end of the day, people were still excited and thankful and we decided that this was not a party, rather, it was a celebration. It was also decided that we want more celebration. Party or "to party" is not always a good thing as it often represents an overindulgence with the goal of numbing or forgetting. The result, more pain. Celebrations, on the other hand, bring hono...r. Yesterday 1847 Financial brought a celebration that honored every person in the shelter. Life was celebrated, recovery was acknowledged and celebrated through conversation, bodies were celebrated through good food and gifts that warm the hands, feet and every other body part. I don't want to brag too much on the folks from 1847 because I really doubt that they want that but their kindness, genuineness, and care was well received and deeply, deeply, felt. 1847 has deeply touched hearts and soul and brought warmth to the cold corners at the CHOC. We are deeply grateful and will find a way to truly celebrate you as well. See more

The long holiday post is long overdue! We are about halfway between Thanksgiving and Joy and Peace on earth. While peace on earth seems elusive at this time Thanksgiving and Joy are in abundance. Peace, I hope, is in everyone's heart, family, community, and circle of friends. CHOC is currently on overload and is overwhelmed by the cold, the broken hearts that come seeking shelter, the broken and inadequate systems that try to help, the overabundance and ready availability ...of things to numb the heart, soul and body of health, nourishment, warmth and connection with and in a family and/or community that cares. Thankfully, we are also overwhelmed by you; the many, many, many individuals, organizations, churches, and families that care deeply and descend upon the CHOC in abundance this time of year. Actually, you do it all year long but with that extra something special this time of year when that extra something special is so needed. We are very grateful to you all and hope that you feel as great a measure of the joy that you so freely give to us. We are thankful and grateful for: SANTANDER BANK for giving us funds to teach financial literacy classes to residents....GENUARDI'S FOUNDATION for continually investing in our building and the ongoing work that we need to complete and for ultimately giving us the means to provide for the most basic of needs that people require as people....CORNERSTONE CHURCH for monthly dinners with time to worship and for continued prayer for both residents and staff and for special Christmas meals and kicking off the season of celebration and joy with celebration and joy.. .JEFFERSON PRESBYTERIAN for food and fellowship every month...STOREHOUSE CHURCH for work projects and Thanksgiving dinner over the years...ST. ROSE of LIMA Parish for meals, special kindness through the meeting of the need for individuals and for the bringing of music and song...LIBERTI CHURCH for good old-fashioned family meals where community is real and oh so tangible...MFUGE for bringing us joy all summer with laughter, fun, and games and for taking the work out of work and accomplishing work that would take us all year to complete, in a couple of weeks....VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY for sending us students two nights a week that engage residents, listen and lighten loads in ways they probably don't see. CABRINI UNIVERSITY for service students and special project help...VICTORY CHURCH for monthly breakfasts, service projects throughout the year, and a donation that will go far in bringing more comfort by meeting the most basic of need. Jeff and Tina from REDEMPTION 1010 for meeting people at CHOC and communing well beyond our doors with many former residents. When we say we can't do this alone we mean it. Thank you to all mentioned and not mentioned yet for all you do.

Declan's gift to the CHOC is now our header photo. At approximately 6 yrs of age he emptied his piggy bank and donated to the CHOC. We hope that Declan's heart grew as much as ours, but not so much that it beats right out of his chest. Look what this child, with the encouragement and transportation from his grandparents, did. There is a Santa Clause and his spirit is very much alive in Declan and those like him.