Al's Outreach Outtakes

Last week I received a call from a local home health care provider. She was working with an elderly woman in our area who said she had received some food help from us in the past and that the woman was struggling with food insecurity again. I was able to learn that she was receiving food from Meals on Wheels, but that was her only source of food.

The care provider wanted to know if there was anything we could do. I obtained contact information including an address and phone number and attempted to call the senior. I had already been told that she rarely answered the phone, but tried anyway. Sure enough, no answer. After packing up a couple bags of food including eggs, milk, soups, and more, I headed to her house.
 
Aware that a stranger showing up at her front door could be cause for alarm, I was trying to figure out how to approach without making her uncomfortable. I was a little relieved to find someone at the door talking to her when I drove up. I spoke with them and let them know who I was and why I was there. I placed the bags of food, for which they were very grateful, on a chair outside the door and included one of my business cards. I asked that they please call before the food ran out; we have plenty to share and we do not want anyone to be hungry. They assured me they would. I hope they do.
 
When I returned to Holy Trinity I talked with Erin Nieves about the Homebound ministry contacting this person. Even though she is not a parishioner, I felt we should try to stay in touch. Erin wholeheartedly agreed and now has this woman on her list. I pray that she accepts our support.
 
If you, or someone you know needs help, please contact me. And, please, keep an eye out for your neighbors. They might need help, too.