Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Bethel House.

Bethel House, a local ecumenical nonprofit organization focused on homelessness prevention, is celebrating 30 years of local service in 2024.

“For the past 30 years, Bethel House has provided unwavering support to prevent homelessness for children and families in the greater Whitewater area. As a small, grassroots nonprofit supported through the generosity of local individuals, businesses, churches, and organizations, Bethel House has epitomized the impact of the collective power of a community,” states Jessie Dugan, Bethel House Board Chair. “To celebrate these influential 30 years, we’ll reflect on who and what brought us here, highlight the strength of our critical work today, and look ahead to strategically plan how we can continue to support families for the next 30 years.”

To honor this 30th anniversary year, Bethel House has released a video highlighting its local impact work, which can be found on its website at www.bethelhouseinc.org. The organization has also launched a new 30th Anniversary campaign donation page, with a goal to raise $3,000.

“We are excited to launch our new campaign pages, providing donors an easy way to directly support different Bethel House initiatives,” states Megan Hartwick, Bethel House Executive Director. “We’ve set a goal of $3,000 for our 30th Anniversary, which we hope can be achieved by 100 community members donating $30 towards our mission.”

The 30th Anniversary campaign donation page can be found at https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/AR1eP or via the Bethel House website. 

Over the next six months, community members can also expect to see features on the organization’s founding members, quotes from current board members, and success stories from clients shared on the Bethel House social media pages. The organization will also release a new website later this summer to communicate its programs and support options more effectively.

“We’re really eager to spend this 30th anniversary year better messaging our work, both to our supporters and potential new donors and to families who can benefit from our services,” adds Hartwick. “We look forward to recognizing the key stakeholders who have played a crucial role in developing the version of Bethel House we all know today and will share details about how our support is truly changing the lives of children and families in our community. We hope our communities learn more about what we do and consider lending their support through a donation and/or investing in our upcoming Fall Dinner fundraiser.”

Coming off of a very successful 2nd Annual Spring Raffle Fundraiser, having increased fundraising efforts by over 40% from the 1st annual event, Bethel House leadership is focused on increasing fundraising levels for the annual Fall Dinner, setting a goal to raise $30,000 from the event to coincide with the milestone anniversary year.

“The Bethel House Fall Dinner has become a critical fundraiser for our organization and is considered a must-attend event amongst our supporters,” Dugan states. “Last year’s event raised just over $27,000 to support our mission and local impact. Our event committee has set an ambitious goal to raise $30,000 at this year’s dinner, as we’re hopeful our already generous community of givers will lend additional support during this celebratory year.”

The 2024 Fall Dinner will be held on Friday, November 1st, at 6 p.m. at Staller Winery. Full details for sponsorship and ticket sales will be released later this summer.

In addition to attending the Fall Dinner, community members can support Bethel House in a number of ways. The organization accepts donations for an in-office toiletry pantry and household and furniture items to help furnish its seven housing units. For specific needs at any given time or to coordinate the delivery of items, please contact the Bethel House Director of Case Management, Sydney Johnson, at casemanager.bethelhouse@gmail.com or by calling 262.473.2715.

“While monetary donations keep our organization financially supported, and item donations help support the daily lives of our housed families, our organization is also always looking for volunteer support,” Hartwick states. “Volunteers provide invaluable support in helping prepare our houses for new children and families and turn them into furnished, comfortable places for them to call home. Those interested in lending a few hours for light cleaning, moving furniture, painting, and more can simply complete our online volunteer interest form to be added to our outreach list.” 

Those interested in volunteering can visit http://www.bethelhouseinc.org/volunteer.html to complete the online volunteer interest form.

“Bethel House is honored to serve our communities and for the opportunity to help keep local families in their homes and their children stable in their schools,” Hartwick states. “Our programs are vital to the stability of many families in our community, and we are humbled by the generous investments that continue to be made in our mission. We hope that support continues to grow throughout this 30th anniversary year, allowing us to serve even more children and families.”

For questions about Bethel Houses’ anniversary, program offerings, or how to lend support, please contact director.bethelhouse@gmail.com or 262.473.2715. Monetary donations can be mailed to 133 S. Franklin Street – Whitewater, WI 53190.

Promotion of the 30th anniversary will continue throughout 2024.

Bethel House is an ecumenical project that helps families facing homelessness in the Whitewater area. It provides transitional housing, emergency financial assistance, and case management to families in need.

Bethel House utilizes seven private housing units where families can live for up to one year while working on the issues that led to their homelessness. Case management services include budgeting, debt repayment, job searching, resume creation and building, life skills and decision-making, accessing other community resources and services, and much more.

Bethel House services are provided to clients free of charge and with understanding and compassion. Clients are always treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. For more details, visit www.bethelhouseing.org or call 262.473.2715.