As soon as I stepped onto the parking lot on the intersection of Barstow and Seaver, I was reminded of the seasonal change. In the cooler months, there must be factors that cause the wind to blow from every direction as there are 4 flags atop different buildings and each one is waving in a different direction. By the end of our evening the rain was starting and the wind seemed to make the raindrops feel colder and fall harder. The transition from the bright summer days to the dark autumn nights seemed to occur too quickly.
Out on the streets were Pastor Mike, Brent, Barb, Becky, Michelle, Sam and Mariah. We needed the help of every volunteer out there for the 39 people we served. The interactions between the people we serve and the volunteers is enjoyable to watch. I love to hear the sharing of a laugh or the twinkle in eyes, see the hugs freely given as well as seeing the tears in someone eyes as they are given much needed clothing or shoes. Sometimes there are people who are so overcome with emotions that they cannot speak. In those moments, words wouldn't do the moment justice and the person goes on their way.
It seemed that everyone needed gloves tonight and we handed out many pairs of those as well as hats and coats. Thanks to many of those reading this, we have these items available to offer. Thank you!
One of our friends who we'd met and cared for over the summer had not been around for at least a month or two. We were hopeful that with his disability and being in a wheelchair that he had qualified for housing. We were disappointed for him when he arrived back on the street. We spoke to him about the need to get into housing before winter arrives, imagine traversing the city by wheelchair in the snow! We will assist him in getting into contact with his social worker if he hasn't done that by next week.
We encountered a man that had recently lost his home due to a house fire. He stayed at the shelter one night, the Street Ministry has put him into a motel for a few nights so he has a more comfortable place to lay his head and food was provided, as well. He is a farm worker and puts in long hours. He lost everything in the fire, we will keep an eye on him and support him as needed.
Our young mother stopped by this evening, she is becoming increasingly stressed with her situation and the dynamics of her family. Toddlers are normally busy and can be a challenge for any parent, she is raising her family without the luxury of a permanent home. She is staying with a friend for now but has to share a bedroom with her children and her sleep is altered because of it. I am always concerned about her health as well as the children's health.
A friend of the Street Ministry helped obtain employment for one of our trafficked victims. We pray that this will be just the beginning of a new, safe life for her.
By the time our friends headed in to the shelter, the rains had come. I am glad that they had a place to be warm and dry in this cooler weather.
Thank you for your continuing support. Please pray for the homeless and those in need.
Karen
Out on the streets were Pastor Mike, Brent, Barb, Becky, Michelle, Sam and Mariah. We needed the help of every volunteer out there for the 39 people we served. The interactions between the people we serve and the volunteers is enjoyable to watch. I love to hear the sharing of a laugh or the twinkle in eyes, see the hugs freely given as well as seeing the tears in someone eyes as they are given much needed clothing or shoes. Sometimes there are people who are so overcome with emotions that they cannot speak. In those moments, words wouldn't do the moment justice and the person goes on their way.
It seemed that everyone needed gloves tonight and we handed out many pairs of those as well as hats and coats. Thanks to many of those reading this, we have these items available to offer. Thank you!
One of our friends who we'd met and cared for over the summer had not been around for at least a month or two. We were hopeful that with his disability and being in a wheelchair that he had qualified for housing. We were disappointed for him when he arrived back on the street. We spoke to him about the need to get into housing before winter arrives, imagine traversing the city by wheelchair in the snow! We will assist him in getting into contact with his social worker if he hasn't done that by next week.
We encountered a man that had recently lost his home due to a house fire. He stayed at the shelter one night, the Street Ministry has put him into a motel for a few nights so he has a more comfortable place to lay his head and food was provided, as well. He is a farm worker and puts in long hours. He lost everything in the fire, we will keep an eye on him and support him as needed.
Our young mother stopped by this evening, she is becoming increasingly stressed with her situation and the dynamics of her family. Toddlers are normally busy and can be a challenge for any parent, she is raising her family without the luxury of a permanent home. She is staying with a friend for now but has to share a bedroom with her children and her sleep is altered because of it. I am always concerned about her health as well as the children's health.
A friend of the Street Ministry helped obtain employment for one of our trafficked victims. We pray that this will be just the beginning of a new, safe life for her.
By the time our friends headed in to the shelter, the rains had come. I am glad that they had a place to be warm and dry in this cooler weather.
Thank you for your continuing support. Please pray for the homeless and those in need.
Karen