Update – August 2021
Wow, it has been hot out!
I’m sure you’ve noticed and it probably doesn’t even need to be said, but it feels like the beginning of August nearly requires those words to be said aloud. But even with all the heat and humidity, our work continues steadily and is even beginning to take some steps in new, exciting directions. In the months to come, we’ll be expanding our work around stable, affordable housing by adding a couple of new properties to our network. You’ll hear more about that in future months. For now, we’re packing extra water down to the Urban Farm and enjoying the chances we get to gather outside whether at a cookout or just to catch up and appreciate the good side of all this hot weather.
As always, I welcome your questions and thoughts. Please feel free to reach out and, if you find yourself encouraged by what we’re working on and want to see if continue and grow, consider becoming a supporter.
Grace and Peace,
Joshua
In June 2021, we provided 403 meals through grocery bags, subsidies, the Urban Farm, meal pickups and dropoffs, and a few other methods. This brings our yearly total up to the end of June to 1,893 meals.
In July 2021, we provided 393 nights of shelter through our network of housing resources including hospitality spaces, rent/utility subsidies, and a few other methods. That brings our year-to-date total to 3,096 nights of shelter.
In June 2021, we provided pastoral care and spiritual direction 194 times lasting 93.1 hours. This brings our yearly total up to the end of June to 1,300 sessions lasting 540 hours.
In June 2021, we provided 289 rides and spent 32.1 hours personally giving rides. These rides include trips to the doctor, pharmacy, grocery store, and work. This brings out yearly total up to the end of June to 1,219 rides with 183.4 hours personally giving rides.
An unwelcome garden visitor, immediately prior to their relocation
Youth campers from New Jersey working hard at the Urban Farm
A Short Prayer for People with Unstable Housing
O God who created the foxes and the birds and all the places they take refuge, and who,
before creating us, prepared a place for us where we might find home and community;
be especially close to those who have nowhere to lay their head and lay on our hearts a burden to make homes for all of your children;
in order that we might offer our hospitality to you through the lives of our brothers and sisters.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Some Stories Worth Rereading
In December of 2018, Jessica wrote a story called “The Good News of Obstacle Courses and Dance Parties” about what it’s like to live our way of life in community while having a child.
In June of 2017, I wrote a story called “Roland’s Unceasing Prayers” about one of our long-time leaders and his way of walking and praying through the neighborhoods.