Always Home, a nonprofit which originated in Mystic 23 years ago, has always pursued a single mission: preventing family homelessness.

“This is very good work,” says Betty Smith, the former executive director of the organization after five years of service (first as a volunteer, next on the Board of Directors), who officially retired from her position on June 30. “I’m thrilled to be leaving this organization in the hands of Tricia Cunningham, who will be a wonderful leader,” Smith commented during a recent interview, adding, “This is a good time for transition.”

One of the reasons for Smith’s contention is the fact that Always Home has had a 40% increase in families served (326) during the last fiscal year, including 650 children.

Dedicated exclusively to serving families with minor children, this nonprofit provides financial assistance with rent and safe child care, for example, and helps adults obtain employment and rides to work or the training needed to qualify for a job.

Many of the parents Always Home serves experienced homelessness when they were young. Single mothers comprise 70% of the homeless, with the remaining 30% including single fathers and couples.

Betty Smith pointed out the fact that “Many of the homeless are the working poor, whose jobs do not pay enough to meet the costs of a rent or a home. We do not see these homeless people on the streets.”

By helping families avoid eviction and homelessness today, Always Home seeks to strengthen housing stability and give parents the tools they need to create a more resilient future for their children.

“This organization and the incredible people who coordinate it are truly angels on Earth,” said one client who wished to remain anonymous.

“They changed my family’s life after we experienced several devastating blows...they ensured we were able to get back on our feet and not just survive but THRIVE.

“It was so obvious helping us and other families was far more than just a job, but a passion fueled by genuine care, love & generosity. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude, so simply...thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”

Cunningham said the Always Home team’s passion and commitment led her to want to carry forth the mission as as the new executive director.

“I am eager to put my expertise and my love for our community to work to help families avoid the trauma of losing their homes,” she said. “I have seen how close a family can come to losing their home. The support from Always Home can be the vessel that carries them to safety and stability through the power of community and partnerships.

“Our strategic goals as an organization are to build on our strong foundation, enhance our partnerships in the community, grow our visibility, and engage more philanthropic support so we can serve more families in their time of need.”

This nonprofit organization has an inspirational history, beginning with one person helping another in need.

The Rev. Dr. G. Kenneth Carpenter, minister of Union Baptist Church in 1997, helped a homeless woman who attended his worship service after she had spent three nights on the church steps. Carpenter proceeded to recruit the support of human service agencies, local business groups and the faith community to found Mystic Area Shelter & Hospitality, Inc. (MASH).

In September 2017, the Board of Directors of MASH officially changed the name of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit to Always Home, to reflect the growth in the organization’s scope of services and geographic service area. One comment from a single mother illustrates another aspect of the “very good work” of very good people working together.

“Always Home gave me hope during the darkest time of my life. My son was delivered by emergency cesarean one month early and weighing 10.5 pounds. It was very scary. Always Home stayed by my side to make sure we were OK. They made me feel cared for.

“That’s not something that they had to do. They’ve become like a second family to me, and I’m forever grateful for all they have done and continue to do.”

There is a spiritual dimension, as well as a physical and emotional one, to the “very good work” done by Always Home. To paraphrase the Bible, faith by itself is not enough; without good deeds it is useless.

Jim Izzo is a retired teacher living in Mystic.