We’ve made some changes to our Wishlist process. Instead of one long list that seems intimidating for our friends, we now have two lists: Immediate Top Needs These are items that we need to purchase for our operations now. Many of our friends want to buy things for us, so the shortlist includes underwear, coffee, and bowls for grits!! The cost of items listed here ranges from about $8 for […]
13
Dec
One of many community projects from Anderson University’s Communications department includes a video documentary named, “Homelessness in Anderson.” Over the course of several weeks, students from COM 451 collected footage, interviewed people, walked the streets and listened intently to those who helped tell the story of homelessness in our city. Thanks to the crew who put this together: Jeremy Thompson (editor and camera operator), Simon Loftus (Director), Asa Waters (Producer), […]
Wow!! What a crazy, cold Christmas week!! Thanks to all of those who supported us by providing meals, serving at the Mission, praying for protection, keeping the lights on, and donating products and money to make this a success! We absolutely could NOT have done it without your support! The Warming Center opened Friday, Dec 23, 2022, at 4:00 am when the temperatures began dropping. We remained open through Christmas […]
Here comes a once-in-fifty-years cold front!! Temperatures are expected to drop down to 12 degrees this coming week. HOPE Missions’ Warming Center needs to be open for extended periods of time during this dangerously cold weather. We can only do this with your support! Please take a look at the graphic and select a block of time that works for you. For meals, we need to be able to feed […]
15
Dec
HOPE Missions Update: Serving Others We’ve been incredibly busy these past several months! This newsletter is our attempt to provide a brief update to stay connected. Contents Aaron Riley is our Homeless Services Director We’ve been blessed to have Aaron Riley join our team as the Homeless Services Director. You’ll see Aaron most mornings at the Mission as he oversees daily operations. Aaron moved to Anderson with thoughts of pastoring […]
20
Nov
Just in case you don’t know it HOPE Missions is open 6 days a week and overnight when it’s cold all by the Grace of God and a whole lot of Volunteer Servants!! Simply put, we would not be able to operate without our amazing volunteers!! Zoë and I were in early this morning to open the Warming Center. As we checked people in, I looked at the long list […]
We’re doing everything we can to serve our guests well. Opening as a Warming Center when temperatures get cold, our volunteer resources are stretched to the max. But we know it’s the right thing to do. If we truly love our neighbors, those without heat, those living on the streets, and those otherwise considered “disposable” need a warm place on cold nights. It’s difficult for us, but imagine what it’s […]
Our work at HOPE Missions is far from unique in the world. We are following the footsteps of many who have gone before us. From “page one” of the Bible, we know that all are created in the image of God. It is God’s desire that everyone would come to know the saving grace offered through Jesus; everyone would be adopted into His family. Mother Teresa and Father Gregory Boyle […]
This month’s effort was simply excellent! Our collaboration with Artisan Church, Asher House, Clean Start, Dominion Senior Living, HOPE Missions, the LOT Project, and Tiffany Black, the hair stylist, meant folks had an opportunity for a delightful breakfast, an invigorating shower, service information from several community providers, along with haircuts, shoes, coats, warmth item sets of hats-gloves-scarves, belts, and socks for the 89 folks who came! Embedding agency representatives into the serving […]
3
Nov
We’re teaming up with several helping agencies to build 300 backpacks for those in the community we get to serve. Using our check-in system, we’ll ensure that individuals will receive one backpack each across several distribution points (LOT Project, Mercy Center, HOPE Missions, and others as requested). Our goal is to make VERY nice gifts for those we serve while being good stewards of all we’ve been given. The TEAM […]
22
Oct
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “why don’t they just get a job?” It’s that simple, right? The quote, of course, is a visceral response to seeing someone in deep poverty and perhaps experiencing homelessness. Putting people in a box and labeling them “homeless,” “bum,” or “deadbeat” is the opposite of what we are called to do as Christ-followers. The main problem with “why don’t they…” is […]