Introduction
Thank you for your interest in our project of building people through salvation, recovery, godly values and principles, healthy relationships, work skills and reaching out to others. The following information will give you a snapshot of the Street Ministries past; a picture of the present; and a vision for the future.
We hope you will be encouraged to participate in our future—prayerfully and/or financially. We covet your prayers for the people we serve in this community.
Focus
Our focus is:
- The Addict: 2-4 year home that is work and peer driven. No fee to the participant, the welfare system, or government.
- The Offender: 1-2 years, for those released from prison with no support system or job skills or work ethic. Same pattern as above.
- The Homeless: Work exchange – work in exchange for needs to promote well being and forward motion towards re-entering society as a productive citizen.
Past
The first few years of ministry were spent in “learning the ropes” of serving the homeless community. Once a week for two hours we welcomed all, learned names, learned to interact with individuals, learned to love and trust, learned to build relationships and how to be a servant.
Street Ministry was begun in 1996 by distributing food on the streets of our community. Relationships were formed with some of the homeless and the need for long-term ministry of food and fellowship was realized. A kitchen was soon rented with 40-60 meals served weekly. Food was accessed at Food for Lane County with other ministry needs met by private donations. The ministry was staffed by 10-15 volunteers. Assets in 2007 were 7 tables, 6 coolers, 4 trashcans, 2 brooms, 6 storage boxes, and 5 hotel kitchen pans. Donations totaled $8,270.
Present
We realized serving once a week limited access and the amount of help we could offer so we waited on the Lord to increase our volunteer and financial base. We concentrated on the quality of the weekly outreach beginning with excellent food and the improvement of stewardship and order of the ministry. As our volunteer base grew, we added venues that would give personal one-on-one ministry, integrate self-worth and accountability. These included such areas as Bible study, Sidewalk Coffee, backpack check-in, hand-washing area, literature and clothing distribution, and friendly conversation. We also incorporated a birthday celebration event the last week of each month.
Presently we serve between 120 and 250 guests per week. (15,600 total were served in 2008.) Our volunteers now number between 25 and 35. Our assets in 2008 included a complete mobile kitchen, storage equipment, and serving supplies for over 200 people. Donations for that year totaled $21,550 including a special donation of $3000 to provide the mobile kitchen and donation of $2000 to specifically begin a “Help-Up Fund” that will provide education, housing, and work for our clientele. Donations provide food, equipment, supplies, Bibles, toiletries, and survival needs. We are committed to working within our donations.
Future
We have spent 13 years in a homeless ministry and have received many blessings and insights. The venues that facilitate personal contact with our guests have added value to the ministry. But much more can be done. At our present location there is no opportunity to expand or to become a full time ministry. Instead of having one toe in the homeless ministry, we would like to plant both feet solidly in service to the homeless. We need help and propose the following:
- Purchase a building
- Refurbish if necessary
- Install a commercial kitchen
- Continue MANNA on Thursday and add outreach locations when possible
- Begin “building” people
- Celebrate Recovery Every Day
- Food Exchange (work for food)
- Education and life skills help
- Church
- Social activities
- Volunteer in the community
- Establish Businesses to help ministry become self-supporting
- Café
- Bag Lady & Spare Change (recycled cloth bags)
- Small Stuff Repair (bikes, small engines)
- Recycled clothing
- Residential Restoration (Rehab)
- No cost to resident or community. Expenses are met by each resident working in the ministry businesses. A portion of money earned will be kept to help transition upon graduation of program.
- Long-term working family of residents (2-4 years)
- Acceptance requirements
- Application must be made in person
- Applicant must acknowledge the need for change
- Applicant must agree to a minimum stay of 2 years.
- Each applicant is interviewed by peers for acceptance or rejection