News & Events

Repulsion or Compassion?

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June 06, 2018

Repulsion or compassion—it was a decision I had to make in a split second. His feet were blistered, with fresh wounds oozing. He wanted to try on the new shoes donated from the Elk Grove Church of Christ. The guests at HART's Winter Sanctuary had been waiting for weeks for these promised shoes and he didn't want to miss out. He wanted them on his feet. Now.

"You're next in line for a shower. Why don't you wait to try them on?"

But he was adamant, "Someone else might take them. Please." His desperate plea won me over. Fresh socks and bandages didn't make sense before taking a shower, so I carefully put the shoes on his feet, trying not to hurt him. His face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. "Can I really have these?"

Disbelief was common during the 12 weeks of HART's Winter Sanctuary. Why would people care enough to give out new shoes, feed delicious hot meals, drive in the pouring rain and then pick everyone up at dawn, to hang out with them, to become friends.

Repulsion or compassion is often a decision many of us must make every day when encountering a homeless person. Love or hate, selfishness or selflessness. Lives are always changed during our 12-Week Winter Sanctuary, because over 1,000 volunteers choose selfless compassion. Thank you volunteers of Elk Grove HART's Winter Sanctuary! You have made Elk Grove a better place.

Thank You!

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May 23, 2018

Dear Friends of Elk Grove HART,

Wow...What an AMAZING first Big Day of Giving event we had! Thanks to you, we have received $16,470 in donations during the 24-hour giving frenzy! Funding for our two transitional homes, the Grace House and the Meadow House, is now guaranteed for over 4 months.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your generosity, giving where your heart is...to HART!

Our Elk Grove Nonprofit Roundup event was well attended, and filled with excitement. Many of you stopped by to learn about the variety of excellent organizations right here in our city. As we tallied up the donations, we were awestruck by the total. Our organization started small, but we are mighty...and so grateful for your continued support.

We expect to be distributing the Gilly's Car Wash coupons next week for those of you that donated $25 or more. Don't forget, it's a $16 value, and when you redeem your coupon, HART will receive an additional $8 from Gilly's.

A special thank you to board members Linda Strom and Debbie Schoeneshoefer for their coordination efforts, and to Project R.I.D.E. for inviting us to be part of the Nonprofit Roundup event.

You Can Lead a Horse to Water…

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April 24, 2018

And, sometimes they will drink. She was thirsty, parched from the struggle that had been her life for too many years. She wanted a different life for her 13-year-old son and herself but couldn’t seem to get out of a cycle that was more like a tornado. No drugs, no alcohol, just poor choices none the less. She was done and ready for change, thirsty for it.

She worked hard to meet her goals while at the Meadow House for families. Her part-time job went to full-time. She saved money each month, even amid expensive car repairs, but she was determined. Determined to have a better life, to set a good example for her son.

This week they proudly moved into their very own treasured home. A dream come true through her hard work, with the help of HART’s Meadow House for families. The stability she longed for was now a reality.

Elk Grove HART provides $3,500 per month to operate the Meadow House for homeless families and the Grace House for Homeless singles. Please consider partnering with us to support these homes. Help us to change lives one at a time.