Al's Outreach Outtakes

Over the years I have written many articles about homelessness. I have shared various statistics with you about this growing national and local problem.  The Beaverton School District student numbers are through the roof and seniors on fixed income are struggling to keep up with increasing rent costs. While there is no easy solution, I have mentioned in past articles a national organization called Family Promise ( https:// www.familypromise.org). Working with local churches and community members who each take turns hosting families, temporary shelter is made available at a different host site each week. About two years ago efforts began to establish a local chapter. That effort paid off with the founding of Family Promise of Beaverton ( https://www.familypromiseofbeaverton.org). Our friends at Sunset Presbyterian graciously provide space for the much needed day center with thirteen other local churches becoming host sites. Six additional churches provide assistance to the hosts. All of this is done through the efforts of many, many volunteers who believe that no child should be homeless.
 
Our close neighbors and friends at St. Andrew Lutheran Church are one of the thirteen hosts sites. Multiple Beaverton families will spend a week there three different  times; September 22nd, October 20th and November 24th. St. Andrews is  asking for volunteers from Holy Trinity to join them by either preparing and providing a hot dinner, socializing with the families who are staying or by spending the night at their church as an aid to the families. In order to volunteer training is necessary and will be offered on Wednesday, September 11th from 7:00-9:00pm. If you are interested in volunteering, please go to  https://signup.com/go/yoenoRH. You can email Beth Johnson at johnson12740@frontier.com with any questions you might have. 
 
This is a great cause that has a real and significant impact that can only get addressed when we all come together. I know St. Andrews would love to hear from you if you can help in any way. Please pray for all families in the Family Promise program.