Monday, December 3, 2012

Homeless Shelter

I love being able to give back to the community, so I just jump at an opportunity to volunteer my time to the homeless shelters around the city. This month myself and a handful of friends went to Breakthrough Urban Ministries women’s homeless intervention shelter.

Here’s their website: http://www.breakthrough.org/

The location holds up to 32 women at a time. The facilities first aim is to meet the immediate needs of food and shelter by providing a clean and comfortable place to sleep and by serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. When guests arrive at Breakthrough, they receive a toiletry kit, a space to shower and are granted access to laundry facilities. Once the basic needs are addressed, guests are able to access a bevy of supportive services designed to help them along their path to self-reliance. Supportive services include on-site primary and mental health care, employment training and housing search assistance and placement.


Breakthrough’s Adult Services program is designed to empower homeless adults to overcome poverty and enjoy the liberty of self-sufficiency in an environment that restores dignity to people who have already had so much stripped away.


It felt great to serve others. I mean that’s why God put here, to serve his people! Dinner consisted of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and corn. The Glamhairus group was in charge of bringing desserts and boy did we deliver! We had cakes, cookies, brownies, cobblers… there were so many desserts that I was afraid it was too much, but it was such a treat to all the women they were basically gone when we left. The energy was so infectious at the shelter that we signed up for next month too!


But the women’s shelter needs your help! When I asked what the women could use, I was told whatever you have to give. I thought that was such a sweet answer, but also a red flag that they must really be in need.
The big items needed are…
  • Towels
  • Deodorant
  • Soap
  • Lotion
  • Beauty Products (no hair care needed!)
  • Tissues
  • Tampons
  • Antibacterial hand cleaner
  • Socks
  • Disposable Douches 
  •  Blankets
  • Business Attire (for job interviews!)

… but they will take anything you have in your heart to give! 


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