Like many of you, I can hardly believe December is upon us and the holiday season is fast approaching. We’re enjoying the non-frigid weather and the lack of snow makes life more tolerable for those we serve. It is the people we are called to serve – those without permanent shelter as well as individuals and families that are living in challenging situations -- that are always our focus, our concern and our reason for the Street Ministry. We are grateful for our volunteers and donors for their contributions in our efforts to ease the burden of many people in our community.
There is often much to do in this ministry and we try not to spread ourselves too thin trying to get it all done. There are jail visits to be done, donations to manage (a wonderful challenge!), individuals and families to keep in touch with through tough times as well as our twice weekly visits to the streets. In regards to our individuals and families that we help support, there are approximately 6-8 individuals and 3 families that we have weekly contact with. Their needs aren’t usually great but it is important that we remain available to encourage and support them and keep them housed and fed when times are difficult. None of these tasks could be completed without your support, we are all very grateful for your interest, support and donations.
The mental health of those we serve is always a concern of ours, surviving on the streets is an exhausting process for the, not just physically but emotionally, as well. Please keep our friends in your mind as the holidays come around.
One of the vans that we use regularly is becoming an expense that cannot be afforded much longer. Recently, a repair of hundreds of dollars was required to make it derivable. Over the years, the Street Ministry has put a great deal of money into it and it has reached the point that it just doesn’t make sense to keep doing it. We are now looking for another used van in good condition. Please let us know if you can help us find one.
Monetary donations are also in need. While we receive many physical donations that usually take care of the basic needs of our friends, there are expenses that are incurred, as well. Besides vehicle repairs, there are basic operational costs of the vehicles. We sometimes need to provide meals for a person or purchase diapers or formula for babies. For our jail ministry, we are required to follow strict security guidelines in terms of what is brought in and those items must be purchased and in sealed packages. In general we do not ever give cash out and do not want the person to become dependent on us, however if there is a legitimate need, we will take care of them.
This holiday season, as well as each and every day, many of us have much to be thankful for: food, clothing and shelter among many other things such as friends and families. Our friends on the street often do not have these luxuries and rely on the volunteers and donors to help them along their challenged journey. Please consider looking at the needs list that will be sent with this journal note and share your bountiful blessings with those in need. Holidays are not always a cause for celebration for those without shelter; feelings of sadness and hopelessness sneak in while seeing and hearing others talk about their plans of eating big dinners, staying warm and spending time with friends and families. Keep those in need in your prayers. Blessings to all!
‘Til next week ~
Karen
There is often much to do in this ministry and we try not to spread ourselves too thin trying to get it all done. There are jail visits to be done, donations to manage (a wonderful challenge!), individuals and families to keep in touch with through tough times as well as our twice weekly visits to the streets. In regards to our individuals and families that we help support, there are approximately 6-8 individuals and 3 families that we have weekly contact with. Their needs aren’t usually great but it is important that we remain available to encourage and support them and keep them housed and fed when times are difficult. None of these tasks could be completed without your support, we are all very grateful for your interest, support and donations.
The mental health of those we serve is always a concern of ours, surviving on the streets is an exhausting process for the, not just physically but emotionally, as well. Please keep our friends in your mind as the holidays come around.
One of the vans that we use regularly is becoming an expense that cannot be afforded much longer. Recently, a repair of hundreds of dollars was required to make it derivable. Over the years, the Street Ministry has put a great deal of money into it and it has reached the point that it just doesn’t make sense to keep doing it. We are now looking for another used van in good condition. Please let us know if you can help us find one.
Monetary donations are also in need. While we receive many physical donations that usually take care of the basic needs of our friends, there are expenses that are incurred, as well. Besides vehicle repairs, there are basic operational costs of the vehicles. We sometimes need to provide meals for a person or purchase diapers or formula for babies. For our jail ministry, we are required to follow strict security guidelines in terms of what is brought in and those items must be purchased and in sealed packages. In general we do not ever give cash out and do not want the person to become dependent on us, however if there is a legitimate need, we will take care of them.
This holiday season, as well as each and every day, many of us have much to be thankful for: food, clothing and shelter among many other things such as friends and families. Our friends on the street often do not have these luxuries and rely on the volunteers and donors to help them along their challenged journey. Please consider looking at the needs list that will be sent with this journal note and share your bountiful blessings with those in need. Holidays are not always a cause for celebration for those without shelter; feelings of sadness and hopelessness sneak in while seeing and hearing others talk about their plans of eating big dinners, staying warm and spending time with friends and families. Keep those in need in your prayers. Blessings to all!
‘Til next week ~
Karen