Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer (@MaryannRidiniSpencer)
“Giving a hand up, not a handout,” is Project Understanding’s slogan. For over 40 years with the support of the community and many faith-based congregations, Project Understanding has been able to carry on a mission to provide hope to individuals and transform lives by developing and directing resources to provide food, housing, and educational programs to people in need. The goal of the organization is to move clients out of homelessness providing support, resources, and monitoring a client’s progress with a system of accountability.
“We can’t fix the entire world, Project Understanding exists to help the people we can,” said Project Understanding’s Former Board President and Treasurer, Kellie Meehan, also Owner/Creative Director, Searle Creative Group. “People get into bad situations for so many reasons, addiction, mental health issues, bad luck, and sometimes just bad choice. We provide our clients with a second chance; lifting them up in small ways that can make a big difference.”
“Unfortunately, the need for help in our county has not diminished, but continuously grows with many members of the community continuing to struggle with limited access to resources,” said Brandy Beesley, Executive Director of Project Understanding. “As the cost of living in Ventura County continues to rise, many are left with a choice between putting groceries on the table and paying rent. The reality is, the majority of people are living paycheck to paycheck, and all it takes is one minor setback or unfortunate situation to occur before they are facing homelessness.”
On an annual basis, Project Understanding provides 600-800 families per month providing groceries on a Bi-weekly basis. In 2017 They assisted 125 homeless to find residences through their Homeless 2 Home (H2H) program, helped approximately 64 individuals find supportive housing (through Shore at the WAV), and support a dozen pregnant women through Tender Life Maternity Home.
“We also help in times of major crisis. For example, we were extremely busy during and after the Thomas Fire providing special services and supplying things like clothes and blankets, which doesn’t ordinarily fall into our scope of services. However, in situations like the fire, when the need is so great, we strive to contribute in any way we can,” said Meehan.
To find out more about the organization as well as how to donate and volunteer, visit: projectunderstanding.org. Stay tuned for more about Project Understanding in Ventura Breeze’s next issue.
