Central's Community Outreach and Community Meals had a very busy 2015, having served almost 21,000. Further, 3,116 meals were served in January, 2016, which includes the meals during Safe Harbor. A special 'Thank You' to all the Outreach and Community Meal volunteers for making this happen!
December was an extremely busy month; we were very blessed with an abundance of donations for our homeless community. Hagerty Insurance did an employee drive, collecting clothing and hygiene products. Several Hagerty employees delivered 3 boxes and 10 bags of clothing. Central’s knitting group made enough hats and scarfs in a variety of sizes and colors for our Outreach guests and we had a private donation of waterproof gloves. We set up a gift table on Christmas Eve morning for our participating neighbors to receive these gifts; all were so very appreciative and felt blessed.
Food Rescue has continued to supply us with a wonderful abundance of food along with businesses such as Panera Bread, Maxbauer’s Meat, the Grand Traverse Pie Company and other local bakeries and restaurants; we could not do this without them!
This Central Church ministry is more than just a meal program, we've become a network of resources in our community. Goodwill Street Outreach caseworkers, the Department of Human Services, Community Mental Health, the Veterans organization, affordable housing agencies --- all continue to use our Outreach program as a source for meeting with folks in need.
Many of our homeless community neighbors have been able to obtain housing in the last quarter of 2015 and several should qualify for housing in the new Carrington Square slated to open in March. The majority of housing has been obtainable through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency housing vouchers, mainly due to the recently constructed affordable housing complexes in Traverse City. The Goodwill Street Outreach caseworkers have been instrumental in helping process people and fill out housing applications, much of which takes place in our Fellowship Hall during Outreach Breakfast hours!
Community Outreach continues to serve breakfast, provide showers, a safe and warm environment, and other amenities - 7 mornings a week during the winter months. In order to provide this important community service, we are in need of volunteers. A minimum of 28 volunteers implement the Outreach Breakfast program each week (4 volunteers each day dedicating just over 2.5 hours from 8:00AM to 10:45AM). We also can use volunteers to help prepping/cooking food for our Thursday (12 Noon to 1:00PM) Community Meal, and picking up food and other donations as needed. Please contact me if you would like to learn more about Outreach volunteer opportunities.
In closing just a special thank you to all that donate, help and support our Community Outreach Mission. Together we have made a tremendous difference for those in need!
Below are two letters I received during Safe Harbor at Central Church from our Outreach neighbors that have said a simple thank you much better than I ever could.
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Dear Safe Harbor Central United Methodist Volunteers:
Thank you so much for hosting Safe Harbor this year. You provided us a safe place in dangerous temperatures and weather. [We] appreciate the time you invested, the encouragement you shared, the meals you made, and the respect you extended to those in need during this time. May you be extended the same kindness you extended.
With appreciation, Many @ Safe Harbor
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Dear Central United Methodist Outreach Program Volunteers:
Thank you so much for hosting us each morning. You share a warm place, provide a generous meal, shower and resources that help a stressful situation be more manageable. Thank you for the time you invest, the resources you share and the hope you extend.
With appreciation, Many participants at Central Outreach
