MEND Update 2024 – As many of you know, Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development, Inc. (MEND) was founded in 1969 by nine Moorestown churches, and is a private, nonprofit corporation that develops, builds, acquires, renovates, owns and manages affordable rental housing in nine towns across southern New Jersey. It is arguable that in the latter part of the 55 years of MEND’s operations, the term “Affordable Housing” has become an oxymoron. Nonetheless the mission continues in large measure as it was originally designed, managed by a small executive team, volunteer Board Members from each of the nine churches, an at-large member of the community, and 5 at-large MEND residents.
A lesser known, but necessary support mechanism in place for decades but not well publicized is the “Emergency Fund” for MEND residents. The fund was established to provide emergency rental assistance for up to three months to MEND households who encounter a financial emergency such as loss of employment, catastrophic illness, disability, etc. Emergency assistance may also be provided for other “one time” circumstances that often have a negative impact on employment such as large car repairs, costs of childcare etc. Not unlike many of us, MEND households typically have little, if any, cash reserves from which to draw in a financial emergency.
It should be noted that currently these emergency funds are restricted to MEND residents in Moorestown. However, as a new member of the Board, I’ll actively explore the historical nature of this restriction, as well as the means by which we may be able to lift this restriction. I’ll do so because of the administrative burden of tracking use of emergency funds, and because on its surface from a moral standpoint, it makes good business sense to widen use of emergency funds where necessary to all of the towns in which MEND has a footprint. Emergency Fund contributions are now being solicited so MEND can continue to support residents in maintaining their housing when financial crises arise unexpectedly. Contributions in any amount will help make a difference to a family in need facing challenging circumstances.
There are various ways to help support MEND’s mission via their website, by choosing dedicated areas of funding, or by choosing a “self-directed” purpose (e.g. emergency fund, children’s fund for holidays etc.,) To explore these opportunities, you are invited to visit the MEND website at www.mendinc.org.
From the Home Page, go to “SUPPORT MEND” – “DONATE NOW” – use the “PURPOSE” drop-down arrow and select << Support Us “Your Way” >> then populate the Comments Field (required) by typing “Emergency Fund” or any other cause you so choose.
I thank my Lord and Savior, and the Congregation of St. Matthew Lutheran Church for affording me the opportunity to serve the current term on the Board of Trustees of this worthy organization. MEND, Inc. helps to provide just a small subset of what seems like an endless deficit in housing opportunities for a thankful fraction of God’s children and their families.
Joel Boehmler