Press releases

Meal or No Meal reflects
plight of clients

PRESS RELEASE DATE: Oct. 3, 2008

House of Hope’s third annual “Meal or No Meal” Poverty Potluck Dinner on Nov. 7 is more significant than ever.

The event not only serves as a fund-raiser for the agency, but it also raises awareness about the extent of poverty in Martin County. With the economy in a persistent downward spiral since 2006, thousands have joined the ranks of the “working poor” and unemployed.

“We have had a significant increase in ‘customers,’ but donations have not kept pace,” House of Hope executive director said. “That’s why we must be successful in the Meal or No Meal event as well as other fund-raising efforts throughout the year.”

Meal or No Meal will be held 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 7 at St. Mary’s Parish Life Center, 701 E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. The evening’s meal will be prepared and served by volunteers from area churches and will reflect the menus of the community kitchens that operate in Martin County.

Participating are St. Mary’s Episcopal, Redeemer Lutheran, Hobe Sound Community Presbyterian, St. Joseph Catholic and St. Martin De Porres Catholic. Corporate sponsors so far include Seacoast National Bank and Senior Home Companions.

The evening will also feature a silent auction, and entertainment will be provided by the children in the St. Joseph School Jazz Band.

Tickets are $100 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Reservations can be made through Helena Valagao at House of Hope, (772) 286-4673 or helena@hohmartin.org.

About poverty in Martin County

According to most recent data available for Martin County (2007):

• 41 percent of all jobs pay $25,000 a year or less. (Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation)

• 20 percent of all households earn less than $25,000 a year. (U.S. Census Bureau)

• 8.2 percent of the Martin County residents – about 11,400 people, live at or below the federal poverty guidelines. (U.S. Census Bureau) Poverty levels are defined as $13,200 for two people; $20,000 for a family of four.

• 16.4 percent of single mothers live in poverty. (U.S. Census Bureau)

• 16.1 percent of children in Martin County live in poverty. (U.S. Census Bureau)

• 5.8 percent of senior citizens over age 65 live in poverty. (U.S. Census Bureau)

About House of Hope

House of Hope (HOH) is a community service agency whose mission is to provide help and hope to Martin County’s poor. Founded in 1984, House of Hope has become a vital safety net for people on the economic edge – primarily low-wage workers, fixed-income senior citizens and people suffering through personal life tragedies.

The agency operates three service programs that address basic human needs: The Pantry Program provides food; the Clothes Closet Program offers clothing and household items; and the Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) Program helps people make their rent, mortgage and/or utility payments so they can stay in their homes.

House of Hope depends on donations of time, talent and treasures. The organization welcomes volunteers and donations of food, clothing, thrift store items and monetary gifts.

For more information about House of Hope, call (772) 286-HOPE (4673), or visit www.hohmartin.org.