Helping Hands: Housing Expenses

“Thank you so much for all your assistance. I appreciate all your organization does for the hemophilia community.

-Helping Hands recipient, 2012

“In late July, a single mom with two young children was referred to Helping Hands to assist in paying her rent after a recent hospitalization of her son with moderate hemophilia A. At the beginning of July, applicant’s son received a scheduled surgery but experienced complications that cause him to be hospitalized for several days. The applicant, who had used all of her paid leave, was required to take unpaid leave in order to care for her son. Applicant’s income was significant affected, and she found herself short on paying their rent. She asked for Helping Hands assistance so she can get back on her feet and keep a roof over her family’s head. Applicant also made arrangements to get more work hours so she can bring in extra income in preparation for any unexpected events in the future.”

- Lauren Neybert, HFA Programs Manager

About HFA’s Helping Hands Program: 
Helping Hands is a unique financial assistance program that provides individuals and families within the bleeding disorders community with basic living expenses. It was designed to be a rapid, non-invasive, temporary resource for emergency situations and provide a foundation for future financial stability.
In 2013, Helping Hands assisted 242 households and distributed over $95,000 in direct aid to families in the bleeding disorders community! Of those 242 households helped in 2013, we assisted 68  families/individuals with their housing expenses.
History of Helping Hands:
In 1997, HFA started the Helping Hands program when it noticed there was an unmet need within the bleeding disorders community. Initially, the assistance provided was in a compassionate nature rather than financial assistance. Assistance included a Nintendo for a co-infected young patient to find joy in his last days, a catered dinner for a man who wanted to do something nice for his wife who took care of him while single handedly supporting the family, and movie tickets for a family to “get away” from the daily struggles of doctors’ appointments and infusions. Over the years, Helping Hands evolved into a program providing assistance with basic living expenses for individuals and families  experiencing hardships related to their bleeding disorders.

Help Us Help Others! 
In 2014, HFA is hosting two Gears for Good bike rides to raise funds to support this critical community safety net. In June, riders rode along the Northern Rail Trail in New Hampshire for the inaugural regional Gears for Good bike ride. In the fall, the fourth annual Gears for Good bike ride from West Virginia to Washington, DC will take place September 26-28. In both bike rides, riders will have the opportunity to connect while raising awareness and funds for community members in need.

When you make a tax-deductible contribution of $25 or more to support this critical cause, you will be entered into a raffle to win a free trip (airfare and hotel paid for) to Symposium 2015 in St. Louis! Note: the winner will be announced in October.

Donate Now!