This is the 30th season that PB UMC has hosted guests from the Interfaith Shelter Network, the shelter program where more than 200 homeless men, woman and children receive shelter and other services throughout the San Diego region for a two-week period. Over the years, the demographical composition of shelter guest has changed; we are seeing more single mothers with children. Our guests will arrive Saturday, February 20th to officially launch the start of the two-week period here at PB UMC. Each guest in the Interfaith Shelter Network is pre-screened and receives additional case management support in their endeavor to get their lives on more solid footing. The guests will be at the church from 5 pm in the evening to 8 am the next morning each day during their two-week stay. They will sleep at the church, shower at the church, eat their breakfasts and dinners at the church. As each guest leaves during the day, for work, job hunting, going to school or Sunday worship services, we will send them off with a healthy sack lunch.
Since the 1980’s homelessness has been recognized as a social problem in the United States; and for over 30 years the PBUMC ministries in collaboration with the Interfaith Shelter Network and other organizations has helped provide some immediate survival demands for adequate food and health service needs. The continuance of this service tradition at PB UMC is achieved with the con- tributions of our members and friends who generously donate their talents, gifts and services. As we move into the 30th season, the volunteer recruitment will start early January. Sign-up sheets will be located in the church lobby after each worship service. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities, but the most critical needs are overnight supervisors, dinner hosts, bagged lunch donors, set-up volunteers on February 20th (including luggage and cots pick-up) and clean-up on March 5th (shelter break-down, washing bed linens). Send an email at the address below, if you want to get an early start filling-in volunteer slots.
During the month of January, donation boxes will be available in the narthex to collect personal care items for our guests, such as deodorant, hand and body lotion (travel size), gloves, socks, soap, toothpaste and brushes, feminine hygiene items, razors, shampoo and conditioners. Coordinators Ken, Betty and Steve thank you for your support and service. Together we are looking forward to hosting and displaying our genuine PB UMC hospitality in welcoming guests. There will be a volunteer orientation lunch after the 2nd worship service early February, for season veterans and new volunteers. It is very important that those who volunteer to serve or prepare food attend this orientation. The County Department of Health requires food handling and safety training. For questions and inquiries please contact the Church Office.
