Long time, no typing...
We've been going downtown most weekends through the spring and summer. Usually it's been our group of 4-5, but four times we've host a group from Live Out Love from CrossRoads Church. On those days we've set up a station in Rice Park, then sent out groups of 4-5 to the parks and bus stops. It's been great to see the participants' enthusiasm, and better to hear them say their eyes have been opened to the people they'd normally walk by.
Thanks to CrossRoads for promoting the events, and supplying the water and the bananas (and vacuum pots of coffee!).
One thing we've seen is that the number of people on the street and in the parks have been increasing (numbers were down last year before and after the RNC: the Excel Center is next to Rice Park and across the road from Dorothy Day, Listening House and Mary Hall). I'm expecting that we are going to be seeing more people through the winter as well.
If you'd like to help out, come to one of the Live Out Love events, or send me a note... We have a group of ladies that knit mitts, hats and scarves for the winter (thank you so much!). Our friends also need new socks (athletic socks are best...), and underwear (mens and ladies, S,M,L,XL), as well as hygiene items. Drop me a note if you'd like to help, or you can drop items for the homeless in the donation bins at CrossRoads and The Gallery churches (CrossRoads in Woodbury: bins are near the entrance to CrossWalk, The Gallery @ Stepping Stone Theater: bins are in the lobby).
And, please pray! If you think it is cold and miserable out (and you know it's coming!), please stop and pray for the people finding shelter.
Thanks and blessings,
Matt
