For many years our country has earned a reputation throughout the world as "The Land of Opportunity." So many people from around the world run to our borders daily for a taste of the American dream. Most of us have been blessed enough to live a good life, however there are so many who are not as fortunate. With everything our country has to offer, there are still those in desperate need of a helping hand. Beyond Pages wants to bridge the gap between those who want to make a difference, and those who are so needful, not just here at home but also abroad.

Unfortunately the population of homeless are so vast and constantly changing that it is impossible to estimate an exact number. 23% of the homeless population are U.S. veterans, yet U.S. veterans only make up 9% of our entire population. Our country should have more quality programs to shelter and provide lasting adequate health care when our soldiers come home as they fall back into mainstream society, however that is severely lacking. Half of all foster kids in our country at the age of 18 become homeless due to the lack of proper guidance at home or in school. Mentors who could offer leadership are absent from this much needed group of young people.

Natural disasters such as floods or hurricanes cause expensive damage to homes and places of business, which is yet another cause of people becoming misplaced, unemployed and homeless.

Physical or sexual abuse is also another contributing factor to homelessness. There are a great number of mothers with nowhere to turn, who leave their abusive husband in hopes to save their families and in turn wind up on the streets, begging for assistance.

As the demand of emergency or homeless shelters rise across the United States, the budgets are drained dry, and many proposals for more emergency shelters are denied. Most homeless individuals are not homeless for long, and several of them even have jobs, and have the same hopes and dreams as all of us. So often all they need is a helping hand to pull themselves back up and start rebuilding their lives. This is where strong leadership and compassionate organizations such as New Life Evangelistic Center steps in. For over 35 years New Life Evangelistic Center has aided thousands of people with shelter, food and so much more here in America and in places like India and Africa. We are very proud to donate proceeds to this wonderful organization.

Hurricane Katrina was the costliest and one of the five deadliest hurricanes in the history of the United States. It devastated much of the north-central Gulf Coast. The most severe loss of life and property damage occurred in New Orleans, Louisiana, and unfortunately, years later, the region is still in shambles. So many people are still homeless from the loss, and funds have dried up so quickly with so many non-profit charities across the board that we still have people sleeping in tents on their property next to homes that sit in ruin. One of the greatest needs in New Orleans at this stage is having homes rebuilt. This is where Make It Right steps in. They have committed to rebuilding 150 homes in the region, which is one of the larger rebuilding projects in the city. They have centralized their focus on the Lower 9th Ward, which is one of the most devastated areas of New Orleans. They are truly committed to “Making This Right”, and we are committed to assisting them every step of the way.

When natural disasters occur, one of the most overlooked are our animal companions who are most often left behind to fend for themselves as humans struggle to survive and recover. So many are abandoned, and a large number doesn’t survive the ordeal. This is where organizations such as North Shore Animal League steps in. They are the largest no-kill shelter in the world, and do so much to help animals in need, be it abused, abandoned or strays who simply never had an opportunity to have a better life or lucky enough to know what compassion is. Animals give so much, and ask for so little in return, which is why we are very proud to provide proceeds to the North Shore Animal League.