We will also be offering bread and non-perishable food items for people to take with them and we’ve invited the local library staff to bring books and sign out library cards. Representatives form BC Housing and the Vancouver Rent Bank will be available to disucss housing concerns.
A tent will be set up outside the church to welcome people and make them feel comfortable about going inside the church hall. 'Valet service' will be offered so people can leave their shopping carts/back packs outside, confident their belongings will be looked after.
While we share a meal in community together, cheerful ‘personal shoppers’ will be on hand to assist people in selecting winter clothing -- coats, boots, mittens, scarves, hats, blankets, sleeping bags, socks and underwear.“Last year at Take A Bite Out of Winer close to a hundred people in need of our support and care came to St. Faith’s” said event organizer, The Rev. Christine Wilson. “Our church hall was alive with conversation, laughter, handshakes and hugs. We lived out God’s commandment to love our neighbours, to uphold our sisters and brothers in dignity and grace and for a few hours to bring about God’s kingdom here on earth.”
The City of Vancouver, in response to a call for proposals for Homelessness Action Week (HAW), awarded grants totalling $40,000 to 16 organizations, three of them faith-based. The recommendation report presented to City Council by Community Services stated “ Of note are two organizations, Marpole Place Neighbourhood House and The Parish of St. Faith’s, who have received funding since 2012 for connect-style events in their local neighbourhoods.
This year, because of their success at creating community partnerships and leveraging donations and in-kind support, they have requested grants for significantly less than in previous years. They stand out as models of the way in which community members can work together to address homelessness at the local level, and of the way in which HAW projects and events can, over time, become increasingly self-sustaining.”
“Take A Bite Out Of Winter” is one of the many ways St. Faith’s demonstrates our commitment to ministering to people in our community. Through our Community Pastoral Resource Centre we provide compassionate support, advocacy and referral services for people in need or crisis. People are able to meet with a care advocate who will refer them to the appropriate dignity resources to meet needs for food, housing, health and security and provide support in making those connections. The Community Pastoral Resource Centre is pleased to be 2014/2015 Diocesan Care and Share Grant recipient.
Do you feel called to support Homelessness Action Week 2014? Please join us in opening doors and opening hearts to the homeless and at risk in our community. Donations of winter clothing, socks, underwear, non-perishable food items and toiletries in support of both St. Faith’s “Take A Bite Out Of Winter” and Marpole Place Neighbourhood House “Homeless Connect” events are gratefully accepted and volunteers are VERY welcome. Please contact The Rev. Christine Wilson at St. Faith’s Church office, 604-266-8011.