To support HOPE of the Grand Valley year-round, visit www.hopegv.org or call 970-778-4880.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — George moved here with his wife and 7-year-old daughter to be close to their grandchildren. George is a disabled vet and found housing through a VASH voucher; his wife is actively seeking work, yet they had very little furniture and household items.

Last week HOPE was able to give this family dressers to keep their clothes, a sofa, chair and ottoman to make their house a home, along with other household items — coffee pot, dishes, end tables and groceries. We were also able to direct this family to a church home, of which they attended this past Sunday and were welcomed with open arms.

Our single mom (last week's story) of four is now safe in a home. We have set her up with tutors so she will soon receive her GED and then move on to a job and to college. She now has a church family, walking along side of her and has made a commitment to follow their guidance for at least one year.

Daniel and Tim lost their home due to a fire on Jan. 13. They are both working, but unable to purchase the items needed to replace what was lost. These young men are both fathers and have their children on a regular basis. HOPE of the Grand Valley gave these young men a queen-size bed, microwave, bedding, dishes, end table, kitchen table and chairs, and two dressers.

This is HOPE of the Grand Valley in 2012.

In January we received many such calls. The needs of our community are great. Individuals and families are struggling and looking for refuge from life's storms. Working parents are struggling to make ends meet, to pay their rent, to put food on the table. This is the gap we have found in our Grand Valley.

Please join us in helping to meet the needs of our beloved community. HOPE of the Grand Valley is humbly requesting that you consider supporting HOPE by pledging a monthly or one-time donation to HOPE.

When we go out to help a family, we are not only giving furniture away, we are meeting with each family, loving each family, and giving them the tools they need to make their lives better. We are not giving them a hand out, we are giving them a hand UP.

Families are referred to HOPE from:

Grand Junction Housing Authority

Salvation Army

Workforce Center

Habitat for Humanity

Catholic Outreach

Grand Valley Churches

Individuals may also self refer