Front Porch: Wreaths for charity

Published 9:30 pm Sunday, November 23, 2014

The ReNewWorks Home and Decor Store in Everett is making and selling wreaths for the holiday season. A portion of revenue will support local non-profit Housing Hope.

Wreaths can be purchased online at www.renewwrks.com/Wreaths. Buyers can choose a basic wreath for $20 or a deluxe wreath for $30. Both are approximately 20 inches in diameter and made by volunteers with live branches.

A portion of the proceeds also goes to HopeWorks Social Enterprises, an affiliate of Housing Hope. HopeWorks creates social enterprises, such as ReNewWorks, to provide job training for livable-wage jobs, helping families reach self-sufficiency and exit poverty.

HopeWorks was created to promote economic empowerment for homeless and at-risk families living in Housing Hope or partner agency housing. It utilizes a “year 13” approach: Internships and training are paired with college courses to achieve certifications for “in-demand” jobs.

Housing Hope, founded in 1987, recognizes that affordable housing is only the first step in creating stability for struggling families. The organization provides housing and related support, such as life-skills training, child care, case management and employment counseling.

Housing Hope also offers affordable apartments and homeownership opportunities for low-income people in Snohomish County and Camano Island.

More information: www.housinghope.org.