Social Concerns Column for June 12, 2011

Rich and poor have a common bond: the LORD is the maker of them all. – Proverbs 22:2

Livermore Homeless Refuge Thanks St. Michael Parish.  

On behalf of the Livermore Homeless Refuge, we wish St. Michael Parishioners a sincere thank you!  The Refuge has completed its second winter season, giving each guest a safe and warm place to stay during cold or wet nights.  Food was served from Open Heart Kitchen and other volunteers.  The guests watched videos in a relaxed environment.  They were helpful and considerate and volunteers encountered few problems.  This program could not work without the generosity of St. Michael's parishioners!  All of you have had a huge impact on the lives of people you probably do not know, people having little to no voice in our community.

Livermore Homeless Refuge Houses One Thousand During Winter 2010-2011.  
You may be surprised at the extent of the homeless population living here in Livermore.  Between November 1, 2010, and March 27, 2011, the Refuge was open 64 nights with a total of 1,026 guests.  The average number of guests per night was 16.  The Refuge served 108 different individuals, 22 of whom are women, and 6 of whom are employed but cannot afford housing.  Volunteers at the Refuge came to know many of these people personally.  Learn more at: http://www.livermorehomelessrefuge.org/

Collection June 25-26 for Summer Clothing and Undergarments. 

Bob and Donna McKenzie, LHR Supply Coordinators, serve at the shower facilities for Livermore’s homeless at Vineyard Church and Asbury Church, and see a need for gently used summer clothing (shirts, shorts, jeans, shoes), undergarments (socks, underwear, T-shirts, bras) and personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes).  Both men and women are homeless.  Just think how nice it will be for our homeless to have clean clothes.  For next winter, we are also collecting gently used sleeping bags.  Watch this space for the date of the collection, or contact the McKenzies at 443-7398 or cell 895-4167.

Would you like to pursue a social justice project or learn what the Chursh is doing, but don’t know how to get started?  The St. Michael Parish Social Concerns Ministry would like to help you to help others!  Call Joanne, 443-1422.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. – Matthew 5:7