Egan Warming Center Volunteer Opportunities
As most of you know, last year a veteran who was homeless died in the cold, buried under a light covering of snow. One positive result of that sad occurrence was the creation of a coalition of organizations which has worked for a year to offer warm shelter during the coldest nights from November through March. St. Vincent de Paul is the coordinator of the effort. Called the Egan Warming Center, after the veteran, this “center” is actually several shelters, primarily in faith-based buildings.
Volunteers can work one of three shifts a night: 6-10:30 p.m., 10 p.m.-6:00 a.m., 5:30-9 a.m. Primary duties are to register the guests, oversee the sleeping arrangements, prepare food and hot beverages, help with guest checkout, and cleanup. Each site has a leader, and several of the homeless guests help with security and general direction. Volunteers are assigned a specific task when they arrive (or they can just jump in where needed), and all goes very smoothly. We attended an orientation which is now accessible online. On a personal note, I found the conversations with the mostly men interesting and enlightening. It has helped me connect with this thorny community issue in a personal way. If you are interested in more information, go to http://eganwarmingcenter.com.
Sandy & Roger Ludeman
Good Samaritan Fund – Administered by the church office. Funds are distributed to assist with utilities, rent, gas vouchers and medical expenses in amounts from $15 to $50. Recipients call in directly or are referred by other agencies, including First Place Family Center, Catholic Community Charities, etc.
Interfaith Emergency Shelter – Joining other faith communities, we provide shelter and hot meals in our Fellowship Hall for two weeks each year. St.Vincent de Paul coordinates this program with area churches. Our Fellowship Hall will be transformed into temporary housing for families experiencing homelessness in these trying economic times. We are blessed to be able to share space in our building, our schedules, and our hearts with our guests who face so many losses—jobs, and homes, and often good health. Sign ups for volunteers begin three weeks before assigned Shelter Dates.
Pillow Case Ministry Project - As a welcome gift to our shelter guests as we host the Interfaith Shelter in February, we provide a new pillow and case created by members of our congregation.
Habitat for Humanity – We actively support as volunteers and with funds the construction of affordable homes for families in need. At the right are photos of our people building a house for Habitat that our congregation completed the summer of 2009.
 |
||
Worship 10:00 AM (Childcare during worship ages birth through kindergarten) Classes for all Ages |
||
| Find Us | ||