newsletters

From the executive director, Josh Dodson:

As the rehabilitation of our latest property, which we have nicknamed “Stone of Hope”, was winding down to completion, my focus had been so consumed by details that I did not take adequate time to be re-minded of the big picture.

This changed recently; for I was reminded of God’s faithfulness in an amazing way as we sat down to interview our first “shelter graduate” for one of the efficiency apartments.  All of us in the room laughed and almost cried as “T” shared with us much of her life story.  Again and again she joked that she was so happy about having her own place that she couldn’t stop smiling.

After we finished signing the lease, we walked down to the apartment; again, it was like watching a child in a candy store–she was bubbling over with excitement.  The humbling thing of it all was that there was such a genuine appreciation on her part for all of those who had helped make this dream of hers a reality.  In a culture that pushes consumerism I was moved by “T’s” simplicity: she just wanted a roof over her head, and all of the other details were secondary.

In our interview with her, there was mutual encouragement for all of us in the room as we shared about God’s goodness and wonderful deeds throughout the whole process of restoring the Stone of Hope and providing in every way.  I chuckled, thinking back two years ago when we had no idea where the majority of the funds were going to come from, and here we stand today with the building complete!  There was concern over finding volunteers, getting donations, finding the right tenants, getting the work done by the time the Grace and Peace Shelter closed, and the Lord met us in every one of those places and more.

In fact, the day we interviewed “T” was the day the Grace and Peace shelter closed.  May we praise His name!  I was also humbled to think of the number of individuals who have sacrificed greatly and in order to make this entire thing happen.  From financial support to donations of time or supplies, to praying for the process and the women who would be moving in–every piece was crucial.  I was able to look “T” in the eyes as I told her that a huge number of individuals and churches not only helped complete this building but have also been praying for her and the other tenant for over two years!  How cool is that?!

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.  I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.  Psalm 9:1-2

From our newest newsletter

Companion article: http://www.cornerstone-housing-ministry.org/two-homeless-women-can-call-it-home/

It’s trite, but true: spring is all about “new,” especially in Eastertide, when we celebrate new life for the believer made possible, by Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

Moreover, the word “new” figures prominently in the New Testament; verses like John 13:34, Mark 14:24, and 2 Cor. 5:17 might come to mind. Many more verses could be adduced, but the one with special significance for the Cornerstone Corporation during Eastertide 2013 is the oft-quoted Revelation 21:5: “Behold, I make all things new.”

For, thanks to God’s grace manifested in the generosity of donors like you, we have been able to complete the two efficiency apartments in our newest building. We have, therefore, been able to meet the goal we set in partnership with the Grace and Peace Winter Women’s Shelter: to have these units available as transitional housing for two ‘alumnae’ of the GPWWS to move into once the Shelter had closed for the season.

Thanks be to God! We have, in our own small way, “made all things new” in the first floor of this building, turning derelict space into two functional and pleasant efficiency apartments. Two women, who were only a month ago homeless, call these units ‘home.’ For them, this really will be a season of wonderfully new beginnings.

This is what Cornerstone is all about: providing quality housing for those on the economic fringe. In so doing we aim to follow Jesus’ admonition, recorded by John: “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another.” For two women served this season by the GPWWS, this love takes the very visible shape of a place to call their own until they are ready to move forward.

On the island of Patmos, John was vouchsafed a vision of “a new heaven and a new earth.” Until that blessed day comes when all believers will see what John glimpsed, we celebrate new life in Jesus at Easter. At the Cornerstone Corporation, we also celebrate God’s goodness in motivating so many to donate funds or labor for the rehabilitation of our newest unit. So let us end with the heartiest “THANK YOU” possible for joining us in being “restorers of houses in ruin”!

From our newest newsletter

Companion article: http://www.cornerstone-housing-ministry.org/praising-god/

Check out our latest newsletter, which will tell you about

• The Longbrake Foundation, coming alongside us in our quest to provide quality affordable housing in this corner of St. Louis
• Our new adopt-a-building program for churches
• The latest on our new project

Things are happening at Cornerstone!

Hot off the press! Our “fall” newsletter, just barely in time before the calendar officially changes to winter. Check out the list of prayer requests for our affordable housing ministry, plus stories about a recent work day, our newly full-time managing director’s visit to a housing conference, and an update on our new rehab project, the one we’re hoping to get some funding for soon. That’s the one that will contain two transitional housing apartments designed for graduates of the Grace and Peace Winter Shelter.

Merry Christmas and happy new year from Cornerstone!

http://www.cornerstone-housing-ministry.org/newsletter/2011-fall-newsletter/