Right now, more people in our region are one missed paycheck away from losing their housing. Federal cuts to social programs are making an already fragile situation worse, and for many families, the safety net is getting thinner by the day.
That’s the backdrop for what inspired two community members. They looked at what was happening around them, thought about what they could offer, and built a fundraiser from scratch for neighbors they’d never met, because they believed that’s what community is for.
What Got You Started?
For Roselle and Sharon, the spark came from a shared sense of urgency. “Like so many of us, Sharon and I wondered what we could do in this tumultuous time to help make a positive difference,” Roselle explained. When H.R. 1 (the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) passed with sweeping cuts to social programs, they knew that organizations providing housing assistance would need community support more than ever.
The connection to Neighborhood House came through a chance encounter. Roselle attended a small gathering where she met Executive Director Janice Deguchi, who shared the organization’s work supporting neighbors facing eviction or homelessness. That conversation was all it took.
“Your Housing Stability Program’s focus on helping neighbors, especially those most vulnerable to hurtful policies and cuts, avoid eviction and move from homelessness to housing impressed Sharon and me,” Roselle said.
Why Neighborhood House?
The conversation with Janice opened the door, but Roselle and Sharon still did their homework. They researched several nonprofits before deciding where to focus their energy. What set Neighborhood House apart was the specificity of the work: a program designed to help neighbors avoid eviction and move from homelessness to stable housing, with particular attention to those most affected by cuts to federal programs.
“We were most impressed by the programs at Neighborhood House. We also talked with the staff, and they were so helpful in setting up our online campaign and keeping us up to date on how it was going.” — Sharon
That hands-on support from staff made the difference, not just in their decision, but in how smoothly the campaign ran once it launched.
On Why Community-Led Fundraising Matters
In a moment when many people feel overwhelmed or disconnected, Roselle sees peer-to-peer fundraising as more than a financial transaction. It’s a way of rebuilding the connective tissue of community.
“Joining together to help each other, whether through our actions or donations, not only reminds us how we’re all connected, but actually helps connect us in a time of disconnection.” — Roselle
There’s also something irreplaceable about a personal ask. “When someone I know asks me to support a cause they care about,” Roselle noted, “their personal request distinguishes the ask from those that fill my screens and mailbox.”
Advice for Anyone Thinking About Hosting Their Own Fundraiser
Roselle is the first to admit she’s not a seasoned fundraiser. But the way she talks about it might change how you think about it too.
“Fundraising can be daunting, especially for folks like me who haven’t done much of it. When I think of the process as a whole, I think of it as a way to bring good work to the fore, connect with others in meaningful ways, and, most importantly, to help our neighbors. Ultimately, it is about more than the amount raised. It is about knowing we need each other—and helping helps us all.” — Roselle
Sharon’s advice is even more direct: “Just try it! Set a reasonable goal and timeline. Neighborhood House will do everything they can to help you be successful.”
Could You Be Next?
Anyone can host a fundraiser. Roselle and Sharon just happen to be the ones who did it this time. You don’t need a fundraising background, a large platform, or a perfect plan to make a real difference. You just need a cause you believe in and a community you’re willing to ask.
Neighborhood House supports community members who host their own fundraisers for our programs, including housing stability, early learning, youth & family services, community health, education, and wherever the need is greatest. Whether you’re inspired to host a birthday fundraiser, a giving challenge among friends, or a campaign like Roselle and Sharon’s, we’d love to help you make it happen.
Ready to take the first step? Reach out to us at development@nhwa.org to learn more about how to get started. In a time when a lot feels out of our hands, this is something concrete you can do. We’d love to help you make it happen.