Key Member Spotlight: Carolyn & Dave Briggs
Carolyn & Dave Briggs joined “The Key”, our incredible group of monthly supporters, at the start of this year. The generosity of individuals like the Briggs makes our work possible. We reached out to Carolyn and Dave to learn more about them and their commitment to ending homelessness in this community.
MIRIAM’S HOUSE (MH): THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT NONPROFITS IN THE COMMUNITY. TELL US WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO SUPPORT MIRIAM’S HOUSE?
Carolyn & Dave: We lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania up until about a year ago, so we are new to the area. As soon as we heard about the work of Miriam’s House and the impact it has had on the community, we wanted to be a part of it. Miriam’s House is a very efficient and very well-run organization where nearly all contributions go to the people who need the help the most.
MH: WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO GIVE MONTHLY?
Carolyn & Dave: Fundraising is hard work that is obviously necessary but takes away time and resources that could be used for the mission. Giving Miriam’s House a little head start every month maybe takes some of the short-term financial pressure off the organization and allows the staff to do what they do best which is helping people.
MH: ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE BROADER COMMUNITY TO INSPIRE THEM TO JOIN THE KEY?
Carolyn & Dave: It has become apparent to us that there are quite a few people who are new to the area due to early retirement or who are now working remotely due to COVID. I would encourage those folks who are redirecting their charitable donations to take a hard look at Miriam’s House. The individual stories are very inspiring and important. We are also very encouraged by Miriam’s House’s results-oriented approach that shows improvements in the areas that they serve as well as the follow up they provide to their clients.
MH: WHEN NOT HELPING TO END HOMELESSNESS IN LYNCHBURG, WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?
Carolyn & Dave: We can generally be found around the house doing yard work or enjoying the lake. We also travel and love spending time with our four adult children (no grandchildren...yet) Dave is still working part time and Carolyn volunteers at various organizations in the surrounding area.
Members of The Key, like the Carolyn and Dave, have committed to financially supporting Miriam’s House through a monthly donation amount of their choosing. This support ensures that hundreds of homeless families and individuals are given not only the physical key of a home but keys to independence, opportunity, and safety. The Briggs, along with this transformative group of givers, are empowering individuals and unlocking homes and hopes for our most vulnerable neighbors, and we are so grateful.