Jesus taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves. The men and women of the Homeless Outreach Ministry put those words into action each week as we venture out into the community to meet those in need and offer a hot meal, warm clothes and a friendly ear.
A van run occurs at least weekly when a group of 4-6 men and women drive around the local area and look for those who are unhoused. Some live in cars, parking lots or local train stations. The run occurs in the evening most of the time.
Prior to each van run, arrangements are made to have food donated by generous parishioners or parish ministries. We pack up the hot food, bags with sandwiches and snacks, clothes, blankets and bags with toiletries into the van. After a prayer asking God to help us help those we meet, we set out. We drive to parking lots, wooded areas, train stations and places we know the unhoused may be. When we meet those in need we offer them food, toiletries and items to keep them warm and comfortable. We spend time talking and praying with them.
When we have finished making our rounds we return to the parish and pack up the leftover food so that it can be brought to the local soup kitchen.
This ministry has been so successful because of the caring hearts of the people who offer themselves. If you would like to come be part of the ministry, we welcome you. We are always in need of people to provide food, organize supplies, and to go out on the van runs. If you are interested in finding out more information please contact us.
A van run occurs at least weekly when a group of 4-6 men and women drive around the local area and look for those who are unhoused. Some live in cars, parking lots or local train stations. The run occurs in the evening most of the time.
Prior to each van run, arrangements are made to have food donated by generous parishioners or parish ministries. We pack up the hot food, bags with sandwiches and snacks, clothes, blankets and bags with toiletries into the van. After a prayer asking God to help us help those we meet, we set out. We drive to parking lots, wooded areas, train stations and places we know the unhoused may be. When we meet those in need we offer them food, toiletries and items to keep them warm and comfortable. We spend time talking and praying with them.
When we have finished making our rounds we return to the parish and pack up the leftover food so that it can be brought to the local soup kitchen.
This ministry has been so successful because of the caring hearts of the people who offer themselves. If you would like to come be part of the ministry, we welcome you. We are always in need of people to provide food, organize supplies, and to go out on the van runs. If you are interested in finding out more information please contact us.
