"NO MORE HANDOUTS FOR THE HOMELESS": The Second Chance Network, an Up and Coming Non-profit, Puts a New Spin on Helping Michigan's Homeless
SAINT CLAIR SHORES, Mich., April 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Second Chance Network (http://2ndchancenetwork.org/) is taking a cutting edge approach to helping the homeless transition into stable housing and employment.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160411/353643
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160411/353644
Founded in December 2013, the nonprofit organization provides food, shelter, clothing, job placement and transportation.
The Second Chance Network is committed to helping everyone that is willing to help themselves. Random drug and alcohol testing is a requirement to receive ongoing help. "Our mission is to get people off of the streets, permanently," stated vice president, Michael Meddaugh. "First, by giving them work. If you won't work, we don't help. Next, if a job is accepted, all other needs are immediately addressed.
"We have witnessed the 'shelter hoppers' (people that move from shelter to shelter to be provided free meals, clothing and housing but are not made to gain employment) looking for handouts. That will not happen with this nonprofit, everyone has to contribute in one way or another," he continues.
Homeless need the essentials to return as a contributing member of society. Without a job, they have no money. Transportation is a necessity to maintain employment. A place to call home is mandatory, some take for granted a simple shower and a place to sleep. There is no way to move forward without these basic tools.
The Second Chance Network's goal is to help people return to the workforce and become independent again.
Something that many people are unaware of is that it actually costs taxpayers more to leave people homeless than to provide them with housing that they can afford.
People become homeless for a wide range of reasons, from job loss, divorce and addiction to mental health conditions. Something that people don't consider is that homelessness can happen to almost anyone, at any time. Many people are just one paycheck away from becoming homeless.
The Second Chance Network recently purchased a shelter in Bay City, Michigan. Within this mammoth structure, there is room for more than 20 individuals to live with four kitchens and baths. "We want this to be a comfortable place to call home, comparable to apartment-style living," is the description that President, Jami Meddaugh gave.
Most of the shelter's renovations are being executed by those benefiting from the Second Chance program - hence, NO HANDOUTS.
In addition to food, shelter, transportation and job placement assistance, the Second Chance Network refers people to other non-profit organizations that assist with needs outside of their mission statement.
The bulk of the organization's monetary donations are obtained by collecting donations, at red lights (another job opportunity for people in need). With 90.5% of funds going directly to helping the homeless, the organization is in the top percentile nationally in terms of efficiency.
The Second Chance Network has ambitious plans to open additional apartment-style shelters throughout Michigan and to keep reaching out to the thousands of people living on the streets who are ready to make a change in their lives.
About Second Chance Network
The Second Chance Network transforms lives by helping those who are willing to help themselves. We are a non-profit organization, serving the state of Michigan, one community at a time. We help the homeless get off of the street and back on their feet.
Together with our volunteers, donations, and our partners, we change lives. Families as well as communities are impacted in the most positive way. Our goal is always to offer a second chance, with lasting change.
Contact:
Michael Meddaugh
586-563-0797
Email
SOURCE Second Chance Network
Share this article