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- Homelessness,
An InnVision Commitment
Following an extended period of vacancy, and a year
of exploration of possible alternatives for use of the House next
door, St. Paul's decided to actualize its commitment to alleviate
homelessness in the downtown San Jose community. Several organizations
which worked in this area were called. In early 2000, InnVision,
a non profit which operates several shelters, expressed a serious
interest in leasing the house at a discounted rent, fixing it
up, and using it as an independent living facility for highly
functioning mentally ill clients from the Julian Street Inn who
would otherwise be tuned out on the streets after its two year
residency limit expired. InnVision obtained the necessary grants
for restoration and a twenty-year lease was signed in late 2000.
Construction began in early 2001 and the first residents moved
in last summer. The house is now beautiful and useful! St. Paul's
is fulfilling its mission to help the homeless by providing the
property at a rent which is about one-half of market value and
at the same time actively supporting and assisting the residents
who are learning how to live independently. InnVision assumed
virtually all of the responsibility for the property under the
lease.
 Visit
with St. Paul's UMC musicians for an evening of inspiring and spirited
music, co-led by Mel Raven and Susie Wilson. The Friday Night Live
band plays rock gospel, including original pieces by co-leader Mel
Raven. Also included in the musical selections are folk songs and
"old time" hymns. Come,
share, and make a joyful noise! Bring an instrument to play, a song
to sing, or a poem or reading to share. The musicians gather on
Friday nights at 8PM with "open mike" at 8:30PM. The event
ends officially at 9:30PM, but usually the musicians are having
so much fun that they can hardly pull themselves away. Come and
join us for a spirited musical celebration!
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