THIS IS THE day that the Lord has made! Sunshine, swimming, camping! Ohhhh…S’mores and a campfire!! Yes please! Welcome to our Summer newsletter. AHH rejoices in the coming warmth and light that comes with summer! We pray this installment finds you having some summer fun as you bask in all of God’s blessings.
HERE IS A selection of the goodness our loving Father showed us throughout the end of Fall and into Spring.
· Toilet paper! Yes, you read that right. We are receiving donations of T.P. from Sara Tyler, and Kathleen Welch. They receive donated toilet paper because of a work connection and then pass the blessing along to us!
I’m sure you are asking why AHH would call that a blessing. Let me give you a rundown on the importance of something as “simple” as T.P.:
I’ve shared many times that our budget is small. We do our best to invest as much as possible back into providing for our resident-guests. As with everything else right now, the prices for simple everyday needed products are going up. David, our Executive Director, figured that we are going to save over $6,000 a year because of Sara and Kathleen and their families’ generosity. That is a lot for something you use ONCE and dispose of!
· Our NEW BUNKS! If you read the Fall and Winter newsletters (still available on our website) you will see I discussed our blessings on savings with the construction of new bunk beds. On March 17, 2026, David took the final pieces of materials out to LBCC for their welders to begin putting them together!! We expect the first half, around 25, to be ready by the end of spring term! The last 25 are penciled in for end of summer term!
· A functioning farm!
o Fresh veggies are on the way! For the third year in a row, we have begun planting our garden at our farm. Resident-guests and our new Farm Manager, Joshua B., are busy preparing for a harvest of nutritious, healthy, organic, fresh vegetables.
o Bring on the KFC! Maybe we should call it AHHFC? We are raising fryers for meat. We also have several hens laying dozens of eggs! It is so nice to realize that we can have FARM FRESH eggs and meat to serve to our resident-guests.
o Pigs! We currently have 8 pigs. 6 will eventually be butchered while we keep two for breeding.
o Recouping money from our pigs. Joshua has worked out a deal with Sybaris, a restaurant in downtown Albany, to purchase a half side of pork each time we butcher. They are getting fresh pork, locally grown, and we can reinvest into other things needed for the farm! Win-Win!! Thank you Lord!
o Beef! We have been raising cows for butchering. Hopefully soon we will be able to successfully breed two of them.
IN THIS section of the newsletter our AHH staff is giving you a chance to get to know them better. They want you to know who you are partnering with in the mission of changing lives.
LEIGHANNA GRAY is one of our AHH cooks. She is tasked with making our hungry resident-guests their breakfast and lunches 5 days a week. God has blessed AHH with an amazingly skilled Christian woman who knows a thing or two in a kitchen! This girl can COOK!!! She feeds us healthy and wonderful tasting meals and if anyone leaves hungry that is their own fault.
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105 KJV) is listed as Leighanna’s favorite Bible verse. She gives this as the reason. “It is a short and simple verse, but I find that it will always serve as a reminder that no matter how much doubt or misdirection is in my life one thing will always be certain and as long as I follow the path that has been lit for me then I will be ok.”
WHEN ASKED to give a brief testimony about her faith, Leighanna shot back with some interesting questions of her own. “Well, this is an interesting question. How does one give a ‘brief testimony?’ Like what exactly are we asking? How long have you been a believer? Where do you goto church? What does your daily dose of the Bible look like?”
AFTER ASKING all these great questions she proceeded to answer in the following manner. “I could start by answering those questions since it’s second nature for me to define everything before answering. I don’t really remember when I first became a believer. I was really young and before I could truly comprehend what kind of gift I had received. But I have been a Christian for the vast majority of my 23 years of life. I go to church in Salem at Cornerstone Baptist and I’ve been attending for 13 years.”
THIS WRITER can’t figure out the “humor” in Leighanna’s answer to something funny that happened on the job. Maybe it is because he is a baby when it comes to spicy food? Miss Gray remembers a time when she mixed 20 different sauces into a hot sauce concoction and then tried it, while others watched. I guess I can understand the humor in having everyone watching…in horror, I’m sure!
WHEN asked what her favorite part of her job is, Leighanna quickly replied; “I would say it’s when people are thankful for the food and that my hard work is paying off.” To reiterate what was said earlier AHH is reaping the benefits of her “hard work” and our full, happy tummies are a testament to it “paying off.”
A COUPLE fill in the blanks:
IF I COULD DO ONE THING DIFFERENTLY FOR THE SHELTER, (I’d) be able to clean out the kitchen and only keep the essential equipment and replace what’s broken.
IF I EVER WON 10 MILLION DOLLARS, I WOULD do the sensible thing and put 10% aside for tithing, buy real estate, invest 10% in stocks, buy gold, start investing in my own small business and save the rest for future needs.
Can Leighanna cook up some deception?
1. I have a license to drive a motorcycle.
2. I went skydiving for my birthday!
3. I’ve eaten the world’s hottest tortilla chip!
AHH recently joined the Points for Profit group. Businesses that area part of the group share a pool of money that is divided up at the end of each fiscal year. The money pools from purchases at these businesses. They then share a percentage of their profit with the groups.
HERE IS where you, the consumer, and supporter come in. Each month PFP puts out a free magazine called High Points.They can be found in many businesses around the area. Inside is featured a group of business supporters. When you shop at these businesses, turn in your receipt at AHH, or AHH Thrift Store. Each receipt is worth a certain amount of points. The more points the more of the money pool we have a chance to get. Receipts do not expire. So, if you have any laying around your house, please bring them in!
ALBANY Helping Hands Thrift Shop is also a support business. When you shop at our store you can turn in the receipts to another nonprofit and help them out! We encourage you to share the blessing by not only helping us out as you shop but also helping another nonprofit earn a share of the money pool.
For an up-to-date list of participating businesses go to www.pointsforprofit.org If you have questions, reach out to David Steele Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm. Phone: 541-926-4036.
Email: david@albanyhh.org
ELIZABETH Steele is a 3-in-1 performer! Her title alone takes up half a page! She is AHH’s Women’s Case Manager, Kitchen Manager, AND Bailey House Coordinator. Mrs. Steele also has the job of being the wife of our Executive Director, David! I haven’t asked but I often wonder which is more taxing?! Above all, Elizabeth is a woman of God, whose desire is to nourish not just the body but the eternal soul.
LUKE 23:34 is listed as Elizabeth’s favorite Bible verse. “’And Jesus said,‘Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ This just reminds me how much God loves us. Jesus hung dying on the cross because of us and still asked the Father to forgive us! That kind of love is something we can’t even begin to understand.”
“I GREW UP in a Christan home and became a Christian myself at age 8 but didn’t really understand what that meant until I was around 30 years old.” Elizabeth begins her testimony. “I walked away from God after high school and was sleeping around and drinking and not attending church. I knew that I wasn’t doing things right. I married a man that I knew I shouldn’t have and ended up getting a divorce 9 years later. I had quite a few years where I went to church just once or twice and I was unhappy and knew that I was not doing what I needed to be doing.”
SHE continues, “I started going to church again more regularly after I left my ex-husband. Shortly after that I met my current husband, David. He had (has) a very strong relationship with Christ and that helped me immensely in my own personal walk. I know that I have been forgiven of all the bad things I’ve done in my life and because of that, I choose to walk in the Path that I believe God has laid for me. He gives me peace through the storms of life and helps me to stay heading the direction that He wants me to. Because of all that God has done for me, I don’t want to walk away from where He wants me!”
SOMETIMES we all need a little help, even if it is with condiments. Elizabeth recalled a funny moment while working in the kitchen. “I was serving turkey for dinner one evening and I had forgotten the cranberry sauce. When Troy came through line to get his dinner, I commented about forgetting it (because it is his favorite side with turkey). He laughed and pulled a container from his pocket and said, ‘That’s okay, I brought my own!’”
“I LOVE chatting with the guest-residents when they come through line for meals, it’s a great way to get to know them better.” Elizabeth said of her job in the kitchen.
A COUPLE fill in the blanks:
IF I COULD DO ONE THING DIFFERENTLY FOR THE SHELTER, I would have more staff working so that we could give everyone better attention and make sure we meet all their needs to the best of our ability.
IF I EVER WON 10 MILLION DOLLARS, I WOULD buy the property to build a large housing complex so that we can help more people and have some low-income permanent housing for those that aren’t able to find anything.
TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE…Ready to see if Mrs. Steele has nerves of steel (every pun intended) to keep a straight face while fibbing?
1. I have been skydiving twice!
2. I have been recorded singing on two separate albums.
3. I lived in Taiwan for a year.
LAST newsletter featured Two Truths and a Lie from both Executive Director David Steele and Case Manager Ben Jones. If you haven’t read it yet and don’t want to spoil the fun, read it before the big reveal!
How did you do? Were you the Master Sluth? Or should they investigate a career in espionage?
If you feel you cannot afford to join us financially, we understand. Prayer, however, is free! And it comes with even better returns than money! Please join us as we pray for the men and women in our care. Pray for the shelter itself. Lift up the staff who have made it their mission to help others seek God as they seek their new lives. You can even call and ask for specific prayer needs. For those of you who are already praying for us, we thank you!
A quick and easy way to help us is a gift of money. Checks or money orders can be made out to Albany Helping Hands. You can deliver financial gifts to Desk One Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, or mail checks/money orders to 619 SE 9th Ave, Albany, OR 97322. If you wish to have your donation used for a specific area, please note that on the check. A receipt for your taxes will be sent to you through the mail.
· Donations can be made specifically for Personal Care needs
· Underwear (male and female) ANY sizes ANY styles
· Socks (male and female) ANY sizes ANY styles
· Cough drops
· Ibuprofen and Tylenol (acetaminophen)
· Antacids
For the following, hotel and trial sizes work great! We also hand out individual portions from larger sized products.
· Shampoo and conditioner ANY brands
· Soap bars or body wash ANY brands
· Disposable razors
· Shaving cream or gel
· Toothpaste and brushes
We serve approximately 70 people, 3 meals plus snacks, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Food cannot be expired or opened before donating.
· Money donations can be made specifically for kitchen needs
· Eggs (fresh laid are acceptable)
· Milk (any percent)
· Fresh fruits and vegetables (from the garden are acceptable)
· Meat (fresh or frozen)
· Frozen foods
· Canned, and shelf stable boxed goods
If you have any questions, please contact our Kitchen Manager Elizabeth Steele, Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm. Email: elizabeth@albanyhh.org. Phone: 541-926-4036
Things are in full swing out on the farm. As you may know, animals and gardens cost money before reaping the rewards. Here are some needs you might be interested in helping with.
· Money donations can be made specifically for farm needs
· Hay for our cows
· Grain or chicken feed
· Feed for our pigs
· Seeds or starters for planting crops
· Fresh potting soil
· Fertilizer for the garden
· Livestock. We would love to raise more!
· TIME! Josh can always use volunteer help. Want to get your hands dirty in some fresh soil? Here’s your chance!
If you have questions, please contact our Farm Manager Joshua Burroughs. Email: joshua@albanyhh.org. Cell: 458-223-0384
· Financial donations can be made specifically for office supplies
· Small personal journals
· Pens
· #2 pencils or mechanical pencils
· Envelopes (business sized please)
· Folders and pocket folders
· Writing paper (college ruled)
· Postage stamps: We do not charge for envelopes or stamps. We see it as another aid to moving our resident-guests forward on their journey to their own homes.
If you have questions please contact Resource Coordinator Troy Hopper. Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm at 541-926-4036. Email: troy@albanyhh.org
We are actively working on getting a small clothing room set up for new arrivals. Currently, however, we cannot accept clothing donations at the shelter. We simply do not have the room to store them. If you happen to have NEW clothes you would like to donate, an arrangement can be worked out.
For gently used clothing and all other donations you might have, please take them to our thrift store located at 705 E 1st Ave, Albany, OR 97321. They accept donations Monday-Saturday 9am-4:30pm. If you have any questions, please contact Jose Chavez or Jeanine Howell. Store phone: 541-791-5139
EVER THOUGHT about honoring a loved one with a permanent marker? Maybe you want to have your business name out there more? Need a very sentimental graduation gift? Or maybe you just want to know that you are helping somebody else grow in life.
WE ARE EXCITED to announce that we have joined with Brick Markers, a company in Florida, to begin selling personalized bricks!
ALL MONEY from the bricks will go toward our Pathways to Independence program. It is our dream to pave an actual path comprised of sponsored bricks on the AHH property. Each brick represents another step forward for our resident-guest toward their independent life in society. A path that leads to freedom from both homelessness and, more importantly, from sin.
WE CANNOT begin the project until we have sold at least 250 bricks. This keeps it cost effective, allowing us to keep more of the money toward the program itself. For more information, please see our homepage at albanyhelpinghands.com. There you will find more information and a link to the Brick Markers website. When there, use the easy-to-follow instructions and order your personalized brick(s).
SAVE THE date! We’re going to party like it’s 1996! BOH will be held on the night of September 10, 2026. We’d love to see you there.
THE SUN is shining and vacations might be calling, but AHH is already gearing up for their annual Bridge of Hope Auction in the Fall. This year is a special year for AHH. We are celebrating our 30th anniversary! We have a live auction, and by popular demand, the Dessert Dash! We are “super stoked” to announce we are bringing back the silent auction this year too!
OUR THEME is “Our Path Began With a PB&J.” We are tying in our Pathway to Independence program and the fact that Pastor Bailey started AHH by handing out PB&J sandwiches throughout the homeless community. It will be a 1990’s themed, fun 30th celebration! Come dressed in your best neon design windbreaker, puffy pants and high-top sneakers! We’ll be featuring top 90’s Christian music artists before the auction and during dinner. So, we’ll have “like, some sweet sounds!”
JUST LIKE last year the food is FARM TO TABLE! We excitedly showcase AHH’s farm with fresh meat and vegetables. We will have choices of chicken, or pork for our main. With sides raised lovingly throughout the growing season. And maybe a surprise hors d’oeuvre or two!? It should be “super gnarly, dudes and dudettes!”
HERE ARE some ways you can help us pull this off:
· ATTEND! Get a group together and fill up a table! (see info below)
· Donate money toward set up costs (Specify BOH SET UP on your check/money order)
· Donate items to the live, and silent auctions, or the Dessert Dash.
o Vacations/hotel stays
o A NEW CAR! (hey we can dream!)
o Vacation house uses
o Baked goods
o Gift baskets
o Gift cards
o Prepare a dinner for a group
o Golf Course uses
o Movie tickets
o Sport event tickets
o Yard bark
o Whale watching tours
o Deep sea fishing tours
o Gravel
o Cords of firewood
o Plants/flowers
o House painting services
o Concert tickets
o Lawn mowing services
o Tree trimming services
o Construction time
o Camping gear
o Hosted camp excursions
o Horseback riding time/lessons
o Artwork (or art lessons)
o Massage/spa trips
o Tours at a Vineyard
o Oil changes
o Use your imagination…I’m sure we’ll be thrilled!
· Another way to help is to sponsor a table. Tables can be sponsored by groups or individuals. Table reservations are $600 per table. Each table will seat 8 guests of your choice. If you would like to sponsor a table but can’t fill it, AHH will gladly help fill one. Hurry! Space is limited to 30 tables! Reserve now.
WE really want to shine this year! It is our hope to even have some fun merchandise for give aways and sale: like pens, T-shirts, hats, cups, etc. all with AHH’s name on them! If you happen to screen print or know someone who does, we would LOVE to talk about a good deal!
ALL donations, and table sponsorships are completely tax deductible. For questions or ideas contact Trudy Fields at trudy@albanyhh.org or by phone Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm at 541-926-4036.
THANK YOU for taking the time to read our newsletter. Thank you for your continued support in prayer and donations. We strive to remember and remind our resident-guests that we are blessed each and every day by our Lord God. May you find blessings in your everyday life as well.
SEE YOU in September!
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