The Circle of Service
Eighteen years ago, a young single mother moved out of the projects and into her own house in York City. Her home – where she still resides with her family – was built with “blessed hands,” she says, and she is grateful for the efforts of all of the volunteers from York Habitat for Humanity who built it along side her nearly two decades ago .
Standing in front of Bell Family Shelter, Marcella Kinard, director of shelter services for Bell, was interviewed by WGAL-TV reporter Ed Weinstock. (click photo to see video clip)
In fact, the woman’s gratitude has been played out again and again over the years, in both her personal and professional life. With a safe, stable home, she was able to not only raise her children but also help out when her neices and nephews needed a place to stay. Beyond that, she made it her life’s work to help other struggling mothers by becoming a resident counselor at the Bell Family Shelter and then the program coordinator for Bell’s transitional Bridge Housing Program.
Today, Marcella Kinard is the director of shelter services for Bell, overseeing all aspects of the County’s only 30-day emergency shelter for homeless families. Her team manages the 11-bedroom facility 24/7, providing a supportive, empowering environment for about 600 people every year, half of whom are under the age of 12.
Kinard attended a recent event celebrating York Habitat’s 100th house built, proud to share her story and to let the community know their efforts were appreciated and had really made a difference. The positive ripple effects in the community became increasingly clear when the young mother who will occupy Habitat’s 100th home stepped to the microphone: ten years ago she and her children were among the homeless families who received services at Bell Family Shelter. Marcella Kinard was one of the people whose support got them back on their feet.