The Interfaith Shelter Returns to Foothills
By: Susan Naslund
The Interfaith Shelter is coming to Foothills from January 30 to February 13.
For two weeks we provide food, shelter, and training for individuals and families who have no place to live, but have been selected by the program due to their willingness and desire to find work and get off of the streets. The need for volunteer help for this ministry is great. Please contact Susan Naslund to volunteer (619) 490-3855.
Jesus said, ". . . I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room . . ." Huh? The disciples were perplexed by what Jesus was talking about. "When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink?" they wanted to know. Jesus replied, "Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me -- you did it to me."
There is no doubt about it, however, Matthew 25 makes it clear that when we serve others we are indeed serving Christ. And, when the Interfaith Shelter returns to Foothills UMC from January 30 to February 13, it will be the perfect time for you to do something to put your faith into action. As we ask you to act out what you believe, and as we prepare a place for our guests to stay, it has become clear there are a number of misconceptions about the Interfaith Shelter. Let's clarify some of the perplexing things about the shelter and our guests:
1. The 10 to 12 men, women and children living in the shelter do not stay in private homes. The Youth Center right here at Foothills will be transformed into a dormitory complete with comfortable beds made out of inflatable mattresses, a place to take a warm shower after a long day of work, and a dining room to enjoy home cooked meals and fellowship.
2. The participants in the shelter are not picked up off the streets and brought to Foothills. Everyone has gone through an extensive screening process by a local social service agency.
3. The shelter is not open during daytime hours. Each guest must leave by 7:30 a.m. and return at 5:30 p.m. There are many rules we expect our guests to follow while they are on our campus to keep everyone safe and secure.
4. Some of our guests do not have cars and will need transportation to and from the Spring Street Trolley Station each morning and afternoon.
And finally,
5. We do need you! It requires the hands and feet of many people to offer hospitality during the two weeks the shelter is on our campus.
Please see the list below and consider how you might contribute this year. There will be a meeting on Thursday, January 14th at 7:00 p.m. for all volunteers to answer questions and prepare our hearts for welcoming people to our campus who have often been overlooked and ignored. Sign-ups will be taken on the patio Sunday mornings in December and January. Please contact Susan Naslund for more information and to volunteer your time.
Overnight hosts (sleep on campus)
Meals (deliver home cooked dinners)
Transportation (to and from the trolley station)
Laundry Day volunteers
Provide Hygiene Packets for each guest