Cape Cod Caring Cards Prevent Homelessness

Since 1993 keeping Cape Codders in their homes and off the streets has been as simple as purchasing a gift card. Well, make that thousands of gift cards.

A program started more than two decades ago by the Dennis-Yarmouth Ecumenical Council for the Prevention of Homelessness (DYECH) and later adopted by the Barnstable Interfaith Council (BIC) has been a resounding success.

Known as Cape Cod Caring Cards, the program is simple: DYECH and BIC purchase gift cards in bulk from stores such as Stop & Shop, Shaw’s, Roche Brothers and Lambert’s. In return the two nonprofits receive five percent on every purchase.

The gift cards are then sold at face value to consumers. The five percent then goes directly to HAC to oversee Project Prevention which provides financial assistance to help residents on Cape Cod struggling with their bills stay in their homes.

Last year over $80,000 was raised by Cape Cod Caring Cards that went towards Project Prevention. And more than $1 million has been raised during its 21 years of existence. None of this would be possible without the churches, businesses and organizations that sell these gift cards directly to residents.

Thanks also go out to those who participate in the caring card program because it allows people to remain in their homes on Cape Cod.