Mercy House Announces Annual Fundraising Dinner, "Living With Heart," to Benefit Homeless

Mercy House, one of Southern California's premier advocates of the homeless, providing a unique system of dignified housing alternatives, programs, and supportive services, today announced that its third annual fundraising dinner, "Living with Heart," will be held at the distinctive Marconi Automotive Museum on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 6 p.m.

Santa Ana, CA (PRWEB) April 16, 2007 -- Mercy House, one of Southern California's premier advocates of the homeless, providing a unique system of dignified housing alternatives, programs, and supportive services, today announced that its third annual fundraising dinner, Living with Heart, will be held at the distinctive Marconi Automotive Museum on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 6 p.m.

Tax-deductible tickets to this spirited evening of delicious food, lively music and exuberant bidding are $200. The proceeds of the event will be used to support the growing number of Mercy House services and facilities in Orange County, and now in the Inland Empire.

Mercy House is one of the only agencies in Orange County, and the only agency in the City Ontario, that provides a comprehensive continuum of care to various homeless populations including prevention services, emergency services and shelter, transitional housing and permanent housing.

The centers and housing provide modern and attractive surroundings for people in transition, helping them restore their dignity and awaken hope for their futures. This is made possible by partnerships with community-minded companies including Lennar South Coast Home Building, John Laing Homes and KTGY Architects, among others.

"We will end this fiscal year having served more than 2,500 homeless people, and that's just the tip of the iceberg," said Executive Director Larry Haynes. "There are an estimated 35,000 people a year who experience homelessness in Orange County alone. Each year, we rely on our annual event to help us raise money to support our programs and assist even more of our deserving neighbors."

The success rates for Mercy House clients for last year are a reflection of the staff's devotion to their mission, and their skill in creating and implementing some of the most inspired programs in the nation.

Examples include:
- Homeless Prevention Program - 95 percent. The households assisted by Mercy House were still housed upon follow up inspection one year later.

- Transitional Shelters - 85 percent. Upon exit, client's had secured permanent stable housing, had enough income to meet ongoing expenses, and successfully completed other personal goals.

- Permanent Housing - 100 percent. No one was evicted and none of the clients had lost their housing vouchers through poor performance in Mercy House's Aftercare Program.

"Living with Heart is not just a forum to raise funds for Mercy House," added Haynes. "It also provides us with an opportunity to personally say "thank you" to our dedicated and generous sponsors and donors, who make it possible for Mercy House to continue with its mission."

Music for dancing at the black tie optional event will be provided by the R&B/Jazz group "Mystique," featuring Chauncy Hines. The evening will be catered by The Turnip Rose, named by The Orange County Register as the number one caterer in Orange County for five consecutive years. In addition, The Turnip Rose has generously offered to sponsor one of the evening's auction items; an in-home, full-course dinner, prepared and served for a party of six couples, valued at $3,500.

For information on attending the dinner, please contact Patti Long at pattil @ mercyhouse.net or call (714) 836-7188, ext.104.

About Mercy House
Santa Ana, Calif.-based Mercy House is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that provides housing and comprehensive supportive services for a variety of homeless populations including families, adult men and women, mothers and their children, persons living with HIV/AIDS, individuals overcoming substance addictions, and the physically and mentally disabled.

Founded in 1988 by Father Jerome T. Karcher, Mercy House has established Mercy House Center, as well as transitional living facilities including St. Joseph House, Regina House and Emmanuel House. In 2005, Mercy House offered permanent affordable housing for the first time by opening the San Miguel Residence. Mercy House has expanded its services to open three facilities in Ontario, California. Guadalupe Residence provides 15 four-bedroom apartments for permanent affordable housing. Assisi House provides nine apartments as transitional housing units. Mercy House Center Ontario is anticipated to begin construction in late 2007 to provide emergency services and beds. Visit www.mercyhouse.net.

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