Neighborhood Ministries

-Homeless shelter ministry When I was young, the predominant homeless person was a drunken man or a broken down elderly widow. Social security has lifted many of the elderly out of poverty but we are seeing an increasing number of families. While welfare sustains many poor families, there is a great need for low cost housing that they can afford. As a result, we are seeing an increasing number of families while shelters for families fall far below the need, particularly in rural areas where families often bunk up with friends moving from house to house until they run out of friends. Some are homeless up to two years before seeking a shelter. Many are fearful of taking their children to the city where poor neighborhoods often contain violence and drugs. Single men and women are gravitating towards the city where most shelters for singles are but shelters are short-staffed and crowded. Churches can help shelters financially and with donations of food, clothes, and other needed items. Church members can also volunteer helping with food prep, childcare, parenting  and Bible classes, and sorting donations.