Dear Friend,
It’s cold outside in the morning. The frigid, January frost covers the ground during the night, and everything, and everyone, on it. It looks quite beautiful to see the moon reflecting on the ice-coated blades of grass, but it is quite dangerous for anyone who is forced to sleep outside at night. The cold can chill to the bone.
David and his wife sleep in their van each night. Job losses and increasing medical concerns led both of them to find themselves evicted from their home with their cats.
I approached David this morning, as he looked particularly despondent. He told me that both he and his wife have been suffering from bronchitis and that the condition has not been improving as they sleep outside in the cold in their van.
He’s worried and appears on the verge of tears.
I brought David to one of our staff members to see if they could advocate for him and his wife to find their way into shelter. While working with them, we served David and his wife a warm breakfast and later a healthy fulfilling lunch. After just a day of personal attention, I saw something change in David. He had a new flash of hope.
Because of your support, we were able to give David and his wife the survival services needed to make it to the next day and a chance at something more.
We couldn’t do this without you. Each morning, hundreds of men and women await the opening of Friendship Park with shivering limbs. Like David, we greet each person with a hot cup of coffee, heated, enclosed gazebos, and a nourishing breakfast, sponsored by one of our many volunteer groups.
Each guest is connected to the volunteers or staff here at Loaves & Fishes who can most help them: Women and families go to Maryhouse, Men at Friendship Park and the Washhouse, children to Mustard Seed School, and pets to our daytime kennel.
It’s your support that allows so many people the survival services to make it from one day to the next. And gives all of them a chance at something more.
Your donations impact the lives of thousands of people experiencing homelessness. You make it possible to serve more than 1,000 people each day!
As we begin the new year, please make a donation to help us continue our services, providing meals, showers, clothing, legal assistance, and connections to community resources with the goal of helping people survive each day, and one day moving from a situation of homelessness to a home.
Thank you for your support. Thank you for being a part of our community. Thank you for making a difference.
Gratefully and sincerely,
Noel Kammermann Executive Director
P.S. The cold weather is especially hard on our guests throughout the entire winter season. Please consider making a monthly commitment at www.sacloaves.org/donate
