Giving Back Hope

When Thad was released from prison, he was determined to make a fresh start.  But when he returned home, he felt more lost than ever. While he was incarcerated his grandmother passed away. “She raised me, she was the glue that held our family together.” Thad shared. Feeling lost without the anchor of his grandmother’s love, Thad fell into a deep depression.

Turning to drugs and alcohol to numb his pain, Thad found himself living on the streets. “There is a certain shame that comes with being homeless in your hometown.” he said. Thad felt like he had nowhere to turn, he felt like he no longer belonged in the community he grew up in.

But thanks to our friends, there was a place for Thad to turn to. Your support of SJCS has provided shelter and vital basic needs, and support services for Thad and many other men, women and children experiencing homelessness. But even more than the essential needs, you have helped ensure that every person who seeks help at our Ithaca shelter has the ability to realize their dreams. 

But, there are many individuals and families who still need help and without you, we can’t reach them.  There are neighbors who have found themselves without safe shelter, or choosing between paying rent and feeding their family. You can make a difference in their lives just like you did with Thad.

Thad is giving back the hope you gave to him. “You can see the hopelessness in one's eyes.” He made it through the darkest days of his life and is working to help change the lives of the people he supports through SJCS.

“A little hope goes a long way, I have made a complete 180 in my life.”

THAD

“The reality is we will lose a lot more souls to these streets if we can’t reach them” You can be the difference in saving lives of people experiencing homelessness, by giving today and helping SJCS reach the most vulnerable members of our community.