618-571-1056
PERRY COUNTY TRANSITION 2 HOPE AT A GLANCE
Perry County Transition 2 Hope knows that our strength lies not only in the words we stand by, but most importantly through the actions of our initiatives. In 2020, our community realized that by working together we could overcome our challenges much more efficiently, and that is why we ultimately decided to launch Perry County Transition 2 Hope. This non- profit organization has the idea to help our community with a resource center and eventually transitional housing. Our mission is to give hope and improve the lives of individuals and families experiencing homelessness by providing sanctuary, support, education, tools and resources
that empower them to improve the quality of their lives on every level, achieve greater self-sufficiency, and build safe, secure lives.
“Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do”
Voltaire
WHAT WE DO
Transition 2 Hope, Inc., was formed in January of 2021, as a 501(C)(3) charitable organization, for the purpose of providing services for those in our communities and county who are suffering from housing insecurity. This includes individuals/families who have difficulty finding affordable, safe, and/or quality housing, have unreliable or inconsistent housing, and are experiencing overall loss of housing (homelessness).
Initially, we will be partnering with a regional agency, Take Action Today, in order to develop a resource center. Transition 2 Hope is renting a building where Take Action Today will provide services. The Resource Center is set to open November 14, 2022. Take Action Today is a recovery community organization, which we believe will be a good fit for those we expect to serve. They are currently providing services in Franklin and Williamson counties. The resource center would be a site for folks to receive peer counseling; provide facilities to clean-up; hopefully, launder clothes, shower and just hang out in a safe space. Take Action Today would also refer individuals for services outside of their purview, such as, mental health counseling through Perry County Counseling Center, housing insecurity issues through Southern Illinois Coalition for the Homeless and other agencies, as the need dictates.
We recently began renting a building in Du Quoin for the planned resource center. It is located at 31 S. Division St. between the overpass and the former McDaniel’s Furniture store. In addition to the resource center we plan to partner with churches and other organizations to start a weekly carry-out meal after the first of the year. From these endeavors we hope to gain a better knowledge of the housing and food insecurity issues with which our fellow community members face, then plan for and secure those needed services.
To date we have been relying on donations and fundraising. However, within the last month the City of Du Quoin and the Perry County Mental Health Board have generously committed to provide some financial support for operating expenses. Those grants will not commence until 2023 and 2024 respectively. Immediate future plans and needs include installing a shower, washer, and dryer. Providing these amenities to our homeless community is not only a public health service but also a great tool of empowerment. Being properly groomed is an essential element of our daily regimen; it promotes health, confidence, and the ability to engage in meaningful social interactions. It is truly a foundation to success for those who will be served by Transition 2 Hope. Our long term goal is still to bring transitional housing and a warming center to the Perry County Community.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Follow our Facebook page to sign up as a sponsor for a weekly meal and keep an eye on all our events. You can also help by donating toiletries or cold weather items, monetary donations, or just volunteering in general. Please visit www.T2hope.org to make a donation. ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED.
Board of Directors, Perry County Transition 2 Hope, Inc.
Bill Rosado, President Executive Manager and Owner of Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home
Lori Williams, Vice-President Property Manager, Madison Avenue Apartments
John Childs, Treasurer Director of Finance, Five Star Industries (retired)
Charlie Kuhnert, Registered Agent Attorney at Law
Nicole Akins, Secretary, RN, Director Community Champion, Pinckneyville Community Hospital
Howard Baxter, Director Assistant Chief of Police, City of Du Quoin
Chris Emery, Director Homeless Liaison Coordinator for the Regional Office of Education (retired)
Celena Slowick, Director Former Community Champion, Marshall Browning Hospital
Pam Logan, Director Director of Marketing/Patient Relations, Marshall Browning Hospital
RESOURCE CENTER
With our organization’s mission always in mind, we strive to find new strategies for dealing with this challenge. Our goal is to have a warming center for the extreme temperatures, and to have a place for individuals and families to rest and stay out of the harsh environments.
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
At Perry County Transition 2 Hope, we are dedicated to stepping up our efforts in addressing this issue on homelessness in our county. We have big plans on getting transitional housing to our community.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
With this initiative, our goal is to promote hope great opportunities for those in need. With access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential. Learn more about our work by getting in touch with our team today.
CONTACT PERRY COUNTY TRANSITION 2 HOPE
31 South Division Street; Du Quoin, Illinois 62832
618-571-1056
