Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless is pleased to award a 2005 grant to Twin Cities Community Voice Mail (TCCVM) for $10,382. These funds will be used for a web-based upgrade and modification to their computer software.

TCCVM helps low-income Minnesotans without phones by providing them with free voice mail service. This critical communication link connects them to the community to help them find jobs, homes, health care and other services necessary for self-sufficiency.

Terry, one TCCVM client, said about their service, "I found permanent housing with help from TCCVM. I use my voice mail to stay in touch with my health care provider, case worker, financial worker, friends and family. My employer can leave me messages and my grandmother, who has my two children, can also leave me messages."

In addition, part of this Open Your Heart grant will enable TCCVM to update the Metro Shelter Hotline system. The Metro Shelter Hotline operates through a toll-free number, 1-888-234-1329, to link homeless callers to shelter information, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers are able to access specific information about shelter and transitional housing programs in the counties from which they are calling.

PRISM, People Responding In Social Ministry, is using a $10,000 grant, awarded by Open Your Heart, to purchase a walk-in freezer, scales, and shelving. We are delighted to help PRISM in their work.

PRISM is a social service agency that provides families in need with food, financial assistance, transportation and other services in times of financial hardships. PRISM believes that every person is capable of achieving stability and self-sufficiency with the help of an effective and healthy support network. Their programs are structured to provide that support and help clients take control of their own situations, rather than trying to solve their issues for them.

In todayís economic climate, more and more families are finding that after the bills are paid, there isnít enough money left to buy food. PRISMís emergency food shelf provides a 10-15 day supply of emergency food for families in their food shelf service area, along with one-on-one case work and support.

Open Your Heart is proud to support the work of Channel One Food Bank and Food Shelf in Rochester, Minnesota. A 2005 award of $10,000 will enable Channel One to purchase a truck to transport much needed food and supplies.

The Channel One Food Bank provides a five day supply of food each month to people who live in Olmsted County and are income eligible. Household shoppers choose what they want from non-perishable items in a store like setting. Fresh produce, dairy and bakery items are also available, as are personal care items. Arrangements for home delivery to disabled or homebound people are possible. Local senior housing complexes have scheduled delivery days for their convenience.

Volunteers make a significant impact at Channel One. Each year, Channel One volunteers contribute over 16,000 volunteer hours repacking food, assisting customers in the food shelf, working in the Channel One garden, and packing food boxes for delivery throughout Southeast Minnesota.