For 30 years, Bethel House has provided support to Whitewater community members who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of losing their housing.

To help celebrate the organization’s milestone, SSM Health recently donated $1,000 in support of its mission.  The gift helped to jumpstart the organization’s celebratory campaign to raise at least $3,000 by seeking $30+ donations.

“Bethel House is 100% locally funded and receives no financial assistance from the state or federal government,” said SSM Health Community Health Director Megan Timm. “SSM Health is proud to help support the great work they are doing in Walworth and Jefferson counties.”

Bethel House provided over $6,000 in financial assistance to 17 families from January-March 2024. They were able to stop four evictions from taking place and kept nine kids in their homes and schools.

“Of these impacted families, 64% were single-parent households, and two-thirds of the families had at least one person working full-time in the household,” Timm said. “This really shows that we are currently in an environment where many families are struggling to make ends meet.”

Last year, Bethel House provided nearly $23,000 to assist 80 local families with emergency assistance. In addition, Bethel House has a transitional housing program for families who are trying to establish stable housing.

“We are so humbled by the generous investment SSM Health made towards our efforts to keep local children and families housed. Support from community partners who believe in our mission is critical to our ability to provide our crucial services to families who need us,” said Bethel House Executive Director Megan Hartwick. “We’re so thankful to the whole team at SSM Health for their understanding of the importance of supporting families with stable housing.” 

To learn more about Bethel House or to contribute to its 30-year celebration campaign, visit http://www.bethelhouseinc.org/.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by SSM Health.