HTI Housing Transitions Incorporated

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.

Later, when my child was just over a year old, I found myself in need of HTI again. The lease where I was staying ran out, and the holder of the lease was moving, again I had nowhere to go. My stay with HTI was a bit longer this time. I was working on bigger goals of claiming an education at PSU, and securing stable housing for my daughter and myself. It was a huge success in that I was taking care of all my multiple roles and responsibilities in the shelter and in my personal life, which qualified me for their Transitional Housing program.

Step by step I regained complete self sufficiency. In May of 2008 I earned two degrees and a minor, which I completed in four years, while working part-time and single parenting! For over four years now, we've been living in a very nice two bedroom apartment in State College; we have a wonderful landlord (shout out to Tom Mincemoyer, for giving us a chance). I'm a member of the Centre County Affordable Housing Coalition, work full-time for Penn State, and am looking forward to graduate school and eventually a PhD. My daughter is in first grade and is thriving; she loves math and science.

When I needed a foothold, and another chance at life, a chance to be a successful part of society, the homeless shelter in State College was there to give me that secure footing, and breath of fresh air and hope. It took a lot of work on my part, but without them I hesitate to think of where my daughter and I would be today. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of all that HTI has done for me. Their program and their people are invaluable. With their commitment and my fortitude, we are something of a successful team. There will never be a moment in my life where I will hesitate to give them credit in my life story. I wish there were more programs like theirs, I wish more people, communities and businesses understood the need for HTI's all across our country, but I certainly hope that HTI here in State College will continue to grow and provide their services to those in need for many years to come.

I wish much peace and positive energy and great success to HTI and all of their staff!

Andrew Maquire, member,
HTI Board of Directors

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.