Rarely do we, in our busy lives, take a step back to reflect on why we do what we do. At InnVision Shelter Network, 200 staff work hard to
ensure that 1,000 people across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties are housed each night with dignity, taking transformative steps toward housing and self-sufficiency. Each year, 36,000 volunteers provide 160,000 hours of service, the equivalent of 81 full time staff! And our donors provide $6,000,000 in critically needed funds each year.
But why? The answers turn out to be inspiring, profound and endless.
On May 5th, the entire Peninsula and Silicon Valley community will come together for SV Gives, a 24-hour day of online giving, benefitting local nonprofits, including InnVision Shelter Network. In preparation for the day, IVSN kicked off a social media campaign with our donors, volunteers and staff, encouraging them to tell us why they give to end homelessness.
Answers from our supporters range from “because everyone can make a difference!” to “because no child should be homeless.” What we didn’t expect is the outpouring of participation from our staff. Take Craig Billman, a United States Air Force Veteran and Program Director at Maple Street Shelter, our single adult facility in Redwood City that specializes in helping homeless veterans . His portrait illustrates his dedication perfectly. “I give to end homelessness in order to honor all who have served,” he shares.
New themes arise every time a supporter takes their photo, showing values of equality, humanitarianism, community pride, intellectualism, and just plain fun. Joe Kinsella, a long-time IVSN volunteer, said simply, “Because it’s fun!” while Dr. Brian Greenberg, our Vice President of Programs and Services, shares “The giving community is the best community.”
Dr. Greenberg’s words ring true this week, as we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation month and continue to see the amazing pride that comes from the “I give to end homelessness…” campaign through SV Gives. With an introspective look at why we do this work, our staff is sharing their passion for caring with the entire community. This revitalized and impassioned focus on our mission prepares our staff, and this entire community, for helping our homeless neighbors return to housing and self-sufficiency, on May 5th, and all year round.
Excited about what InnVision Shelter Network is doing to end homelessness? Join us! Give to end homelessness on May 5, for Silicon Valley Gives.
Marissa Robbins is InnVision Shelter Network’s Community Giving Coordinator. She’s a member of the Development team, working on IVSN’s events, giving campaigns, mailings, and communications. Originally from Marin County, she’s a Bay Area native with a passion to serve our community.
Microsoft is proud to serve as lead sponsor for Silicon Valley Gives 2015. Over the last six months, Microsoft has hosted 5 training sessions for over 600 participants to strengthen non-profits and prepare them for Silicon Valley Gives. On May 5, Microsoft will host giving events at Stanford Shopping Center and Valley Fair Mall and sponsor matching prizes for 13 local non-profits, including the company’s national YouthSpark partners. Microsoft thanks Silicon Valley Community Foundation for its leadership and vision.
