Hickory – Exodus Homes’ 2019 William Mangum Honor Cards are now available for the holidays. The faith-based United Way agency provides supportive housing for homeless recovering people returning to the community from treatment centers and prison.

William Mangum is a well known Greensboro artist who befriended a homeless man in 1987, and the experience inspired him to use his artistic and publishing skills to make The Honor Card program one of the most effectively managed charitable programs in the country. Within each beautiful annual painting is the subtle image and story of a homeless person. With underwriting support from Wells Fargo Bank along with Mike and Sarah Kearney, The Honor Card program exists in thirteen communities in N.C., and has received national attention for helping organizations who serve homeless and needy people. Exodus Homes is The Honor Card program for the Foothills area.

This year’s Honor Card is entitled “I’ll Stand By You”. Mangum explained his inspiration for this year’s card saying “God is the one that equips us to come along and stand by those in need. This holiday season stand with us to help our neighbors that are struggling, those who have stumbled along life’s path and are homeless. The Honor Card is a great way to support Exodus Homes and share their message of hope with a family member or friend.

“I’ll Stand By You” Honor Cards are $5.00 each. On the inside, the recipient is informed that someone made a gift to to Exodus Homes in their honor, and gives information about the supportive housing program. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of Honor Cards goes to support the operating expenses of Exodus Homes. Today, The Honor Card program is in it’s 32st year, and has raised over eight million dollars to support homeless and needy people in our state. “People have been waiting for the 2019 Honor Cards to arrive and they are here! It has become a gift-giving tradition in this area, and the funds we raise are a primary source of funding for Exodus Homes. Many are aware of our successful capital campaign last year but those funds cannot be used for operating expenses. Honor Card sales will be a primary source of funds for the upcoming year” says the Rev. Susan Walker, assistant executive director of Exodus Homes.

The “I’ll Stand By You” Exodus Homes Honor Card can be purchased online at www.exodushomes.org by clicking on the “Donate” button and putting “Honor Cards” in the line for “Special Instructions for the Seller”. They can also be purchased at the following locations:

Exodus Homes Housing Program 122 8th Ave Dr. SW Hickory 28602
Exodus Homes Offices and New Life Thrift Store 610 4th St. SW Hickory 28602
Taste Full Beans Coffee House 29 2nd St NW, Hickory, NC 28601
SALT Block Gift Shop 243 3rd Ave NE Hickory 28601
Catawba County Chamber of Commerce 1055 Southgate Corporate Park SW, Hickory, NC 28602
EcoDental 300 29th Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601

Packets of cards for sale and display easels are available for local churches and businesses who would like to support Exodus Homes by participating in The Honor Card program. For more information about helping sell or purchasing “I’ll Stand By You” Honor Cards, please contact the Rev. Susan Walker at 828-962-8196 or [email protected]. A video about this year’s card can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9ikHpBhVIo&t=6s
Honor Card, “I’ll Stand By You” by William Mangum