Let me introduce you to Jim Purtell.
I met Jim Purtell in the early 2000s. It was a simple relationship really. He owned a mortgage company and I was an account executive who wanted his business. He signed my contract and a relationship was born. His company had quite a number of locations, so I only saw him rarely after that first meeting. His reputation as a great employer and all-around-nice-guy followed him.
It’s 2022, now many years after that first meeting. Jim has long since sold his company and from my social media feed, he appears to be traveling the world and living life to the fullest. It seemed each time I saw a photo scrolling by, he was on a different continent. My wanderlust kept me interested, tuning in for his next adventure.
Then came winter/spring, 2022 and I was intrigued by Jim’s social media posts about his attempts to go to Ukraine to help in some way. I kept watching. I watched him form this amazing charity out of an idea and a clear need, The Volunteer Housing Initiative.
Jim connected me with several in the volunteer network he formed and my trip was planned. When asked why my donations for beds and mattresses are being sent to Jim’s charity, the reason is a simple and cost effective one — I want all of the funds to be used to provide beds and mattresses. Setting up a nonprofit is costly and time consuming, taking funds from the intended items and using them on administrative costs instead.
Please consider contributing. Your donations will be used to purchase beds and mattresses for Hope Shelter. Donations can be made through Volunteer Housing Initiative — When making your donation, specify that you would like your donation to be used for Hope Shelter or beds & mattresses.