Voices of HTI
| Beyond Homelessness | |
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At a time when I was in serious need; attempting to remove myself from a domestic violence relationship, a few months pregnant, and with a family unwilling to help, Housing Transitions was my life raft! They guided and encouraged me, and gave not only moral and emotional support, but also tangible physical and positive mental support. The guidance and goal setting, the meals and shelter, the reprieve, the helping hands and caring spirits not only got me through, to survive, but actually set me up for much greater success in the future. |
| Building Community and Giving Back | |
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HTI is an organization I have always admired as an invaluable resource in our area that has provided support to thousands of community members seeking help. I became aware of HTI’s Centre House shelter when I was a college student and had several friends that worked there as overnight staff members. I’ll be honest that I was surprised to find out there was a need for a shelter in this rural community in central Pennsylvania, a stark contrast to the suburb in New Jersey where I grew up. When I moved back to State College 10 years later with my wife and children, HTI took a more prominent role in my life. As a husband and father, I recognized the vulnerability of being one paycheck away from not being able to keep up. We were now five hours from our closest relative, but the idea that there was an organization like HTI provided great comfort. So when I was asked to join to board of HTI after moving back into town, I immediately said yes. I believe in a community of help where we all look after and support each other; when the community seeks your help you respond. But the truth is I wasn’t really sure what my role would be on the board and I spent my first year pondering whether I was earnestly contributing to this organization. However, when the need to renovate and expand the current shelter became apparent a few years ago, I realized my background in engineering and project management was a valuable resource and I volunteered to chair the Building Committee. As a committee, we oversee the design and construction process for the shelter. I believe that we all strive for purpose and to try to make the community a better place. There are no borders that define the community; it is defined by our everyday interactions, by where we live, by what we listen to and read, and by how we react when we are asked for help. We often don’t realize how important a cause is to us until we respond to a request and get personally involved. I know that I find meaning with my involvement with HTI and I know that I am supporting the success of the community. |
How to Contact Us:
Phone: 814-237-4863
Email: Click here


