SSM Health supports Bethel House in Whitewater

Local nonprofit is celebrating 30 years

August 06, 2024 02:39 PM -

Women holding check for Bethel HouseWhitewater, WI (July 24, 2024) – For 30 years, Bethel House has provided support to Whitewater community members who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of losing their housing.

To help celebrate the organization’s milestone, SSM Health recently donated $1,000 in support of its mission. The gift helped to jumpstart the organization’s celebratory campaign to raise at least $3,000 by seeking $30+ donations.

“Bethel House is 100% locally funded and receives no financial assistance from the state or federal government,” said SSM Health Community Health Director Megan Timm. “SSM Health is proud to help support the great work they are doing in Walworth and Jefferson counties.”

Bethel House provided over $6,000 in financial assistance to 17 families from January-March 2024. They were able to stop four evictions from taking place and kept 9 kids in their homes and schools.

“Of these impacted families, 64% were single-parent households, and two-thirds of the families had at least one person working full-time in the household,” Timm said. “This really shows that we are currently in an environment where many families are struggling to make ends meet.”

Last year, Bethel House provided nearly $23,000 to assist 80 local families with emergency assistance. In addition, Bethel House has a transitional housing program for families who are trying to establish stable housing.

"We are so humbled by the generous investment SSM Health made towards our efforts to keep local children and families housed. Support from community partners who believe in our mission is critical to our ability to provide our crucial services to families who need us,” said Bethel House Executive Director Megan Hartwick. “We're so thankful to the whole team at SSM Health for their understanding of the importance of supporting families with stable housing."

Learn more about Bethel House or contribute to its 30-year celebration campaign.

SSM Health Community Health Director Megan Timm (left) and Bethel House Executive Director Megan Hartwick (right) take a photo after SSM Health donated $1,000 to the programs 30-year campaign.

About SSM Health

SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit health system serving the comprehensive health needs of communities across the Midwest through a robust and fully integrated health care delivery system. The organization’s nearly 40,000 employees and 11,000 providers are committed to providing exceptional health care services and revealing God’s healing presence to everyone they serve. For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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