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Janne Ritskes' Rationale
After returning to Kemptville from working with the poorest in developing countries for the past 43 years, I have become aware of issues of poverty within our community. As a woman of faith, I am always challenged to help our neighbours who are hurting.
As an over-55, I am very aware of people who are also over 55 in our community who are no longer able to meet the rental demands of homes they have lived in for years. Their suffering is unconscionable in my mind. Part of my answer to this hurt is Shalom Small Homes Kemptville, a program that will allow these people to live out their lives with dignity and peace.
I challenge all of us to stand together in this project so that our over-55s in Kemptville will find Shalom. Together we can do all things!
Cora Beking’s Rationale
Inspired by a dear friend, saw the need and the vision and I felt called to be a part of the Shalom Homes Journey.
I'm committed to making a difference in our community and in the lives of our vulnerable seniors by using the gifts God has given me.
If WE are not going to do it---Then WHO
If WE don't step up today---Then WHEN
Volunteering is at the very core of being human. I invite you to join us on this journey.
Mary Ritskes' Rationale
Having recently retired, I was looking for new ways to help out and serve in my community. An opportunity was presented to help with a “small homes” project geared to helping people who are unable to afford market rental rates. It is very clear to me that we cannot look to the government to fix everything and there is now a serious housing issue for many, who just do not have enough money to be able to pay their rent.
As a Christian, I am called to serve God and my neighbors. Participation in this project is one way I have chosen to do that. Matthew 25 talks about providing food, drink, and clothing for those in need, and this can also include housing. Verse 40 of that Bible passage says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This is my motivation.
It is my hope and prayer that this project will result in “shalom” for many. Shalom is often defined as peace, but means more than the absence of strife. For the future tenants of these homes, my goal is they will find this deeper peace and a sense of wholeness. I hope I can play a small role in advancing this.
Cathy Ashby's Rationale
In my role as executive director at House of Lazarus, I see how living in poverty affects the lives of so many. Basic needs of food, shelter and transportation are beyond reach for many in our community. Seniors are vulnerable, especially when they are alone. I view Shalom Small Homes Kemptville as a solution for seniors living in poverty. Offering seniors a chance to live in a safe, affordable place will lessen their stress levels and allow them to live their lives with dignity. Everyone in the community has a chance to be part of the Shalom Small Homes Kemptville mission by offering donations of their time or money to help build the small homes.
At House of Lazarus, our mission is "building community, sharing hope." We are proud to partner with Shalom Small Homes Kemptville as it does exactly that.