Aldersgate Reaches Out to the Homeless

Missions Committee projects:

• Support of the Winter Overflow Shelter
  
  In 2009, Aldersgate gave $1000, and in 2010 over $5000, to support the Winter Overflow Shelter. Enough total funds were collected in 2010 to support the shelter through the winter of 2011/2012. The shelter is an emergency overnight shelter that operates from November 1 through March 31. The shelter is housed in a series of downtown churches, staffed by Inter-Faith Ministries, and funded by donations—primarily from the faith community. The operating budget is $61,000.
  
  In 2008/2009 the shelter housed 373 individuals, in 2009/2010 it housed 475, and in 2010/2011 it housed 622.  Because of the welcoming environment created by the churches, the staff and volunteers, case managers were able to build relationships and help over 300 of the shelter guests find permanent housing as a direct result of these two shelters. The 2011/2012 shelter is currently underway.

• Participation in "Sandwich Saturday"
  
  Several churches of different denominations take turns providing sack lunches to the poor and homeless every Saturday in the parking lot at St. John’s Episcopal Church downtown.
  
  Aldersgate supplies approximately 250 sack lunches every time there is a 5th Saturday of the month.  This occurs four or five times a year.  Several adult Sunday School classes and the Youth group each donate the makings and prepare 50 sack lunches.  Lunches are assembled in Fellowship Hall and volunteers deliver them and hand them out.  Adults, youth, and children who have participated in preparing and serving lunches give very positive feedback on the experience. For more information about this important ministry, contact Janis Cox.

• "Undie Sunday" collection
  
  During the summer of 2009 the Missions Committee designated some dates when men’s, women’s and children’s underwear were collected for the homeless. These much needed items were taken to appropriate shelters.
  
  At the 2010 Christmas Concert, attendees were asked to bring socks for the homeless. Over 500 pair were collected and then given out in January 2011 at the Point-in-Time Count, a one day event put on by the City, County, and homeless service providers to count how many homeless there are in Wichita. The Aldersgate's 2011 Christmas Concert will once again ask attendees to bring socks, mittens, or gloves.

Other Projects:

• United Methodist Women collect blankets for the homeless.

• The church collects food items for United Methodist Open Door

• Several groups make and serve food for the drop-in center.

• In October 2011, Aldersgate's Live Well Event donated a part of the proceeds to AECH, the Advocates to End Chronic Homelessness.

Advent Conspiracy Mission Fair

• Open Door Community Food Ministry
  
  Wichita’s needs have increased by 150 families this year. They estimate their food reserves will be depleted by Thanksgiving. Just $100 can feed three families for a week.

• Downtown Daycare
  
  Downtown Daycare provides a safe haven daycare for children living in homeless shelters, safe homes, foster care, low income homes and children in the community at large. Many of these children come to the daycare with inadequate clothing. Most will have no Christmas gifts at all. Just $3 will provide a pair of gloves, $10 a winter coat, $8 a child’s toy.

• Messiah's Branch
  
  Messiah’s Branch feeds the homeless weekly. Each Christmas they strive to provide a Christmas gift to the approximately 130 men, women and children they serve. Gifts are size specific and personalized. Just $15 will provide boots that fit well and provide warmth and protection through a cold Kansas winter.