by Kenneth B., Lay Leader
This is the 34th season of hosting Interfaith Shelter Network guests here at Pacific Beach UMC. In this program, more than 200 homeless men, women, and children in San Diego receive shelter and other services for a two week period. Our sheltered guests will arrive Saturday, March 21st, to officially launch the start of the two weeks here at PB UMC. Each of the guests in the Interfaith Shelter Network is pre-screened and receives additional case management support as they endeavor to get their lives on more solid footing. Our guests will be at the church from 5:00pm in the evening to 7:00am the next morning, each day during their two-week stay. They will sleep at the church and shower at the church. They will eat their breakfasts and dinners at the church. Carrying a healthy sack lunch, each guest leaves during the day for work, job hunting, to go to school, or for Sunday worship services.
For nearly 35 years the PB UMC ministries, in collaboration with the Interfaith Shelter Network and other organizations, have 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 contributions of its members and friends who generously donate their talents, gifts, and services.
The volunteer recruitment will begin in the month of January with sign-up sheets located in the narthex (the entry to the Sanctuary) after each worship service. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities, but the most critical needs are overnight supervisors, dinner hosts, lunch hosts, set-up volunteers on March 21st (including luggage and cots pick-up), and clean-up April 4th (shelter break-down and washing bed linens).
During the month of February, donation boxes will be available in the narthex to collect personal care items such as deodorant, hand and body lotion (travel size), gloves, socks, soap, toothpaste and brushes, feminine hygiene items, razors, and shampoo and conditioners for our guests. Along with my fellow coordinators, Betty and Ray, we thank you for your support and service. Together, we are looking forward to hosting and displaying our genuine PB UMC hospitality in welcoming guests.
For questions and inquiries, please contact Ken B. through the Church Office.
