COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER - June 30
10 THINGS WORTH HIGHLIGHTING THIS WEEK . . .
1.
10 NEW MICRO-SHELTERS ADDED TO OUR CCS SITE
Our 180 days of winter sheltering is ending this week at the CCS site. We were able to offset this transition for many of our guests by adding 10 new Edomo shelters to the site. The CCS Micro-Shelter Community now has 40 shelters to serve families seeking housing and work opportunities.
2.
STAFF HIGHLIGHT : HAMADI
Hamadi is a shift lead at our Village of Hope site. Here is what Hamadi’s manager, Roy had to say: “Hamadi does a fantastic job at building relationships with residents, every time he gets on site he is greeted by everyone that sees him. Residents know that Hamadi is the type of lead that they can go to with any problem and he will do what he needs to do to take care of it, whether that be going to upper management or sitting down with them and talking for an hour. His relationships with guests make hard conversations easier because they know they can trust him. Hamadi is also a valued employee, he is always willing to jump in and pick up shifts and help do deep cleans.”
Big shout out to Hamadi for being such a great presence for our staff and guests!
3.
VOLUNTEER NEEDED
Our CCS site is hosting a BBQ to celebrate Independence Day at 4:00PM on Monday, July 4th. We are looking for a person, family, or group who can grill hot dogs on the site for our 100 guests and staff. We’ve got one BBQ on site.
4.
THANK YOU TO OUR STORYTELLING EVENT SPONSORS
We are continuing to hear positive feedback about the storytelling event that we recently hosted at Willamette University and we are looking forward to hosting similar events in the very near future. If you are interested in hosting or attending an event, please let us know.
5.
HUMANITY OF HOMELESSNESS
Meet John.
Here is what John had to say:
”My first memory of meeting DJ was at the farthest back sheltered area at Cascades Gateway Park, a meal was being served to us residents. Some time after that I asked DJ about a tent and he delivered it to me and my camp mate "behind" Home Depot just off of Lancaster. I heard about the warming shelter later when I was downtown and the mission would allow me with my dog Buddy.”
Here is what DJ said about John: “When John and I connected again at a Sunday meal he asked me about helping him with the cost of a diversion program. I was excited to hear his story and eagerness to get back to work. When John finished the program he was immediately working again, but continued to connect with C@P. I still remember the Christmas eve service at Aldersgate Camp in Turner when he asked to be baptized and for the community to recognize his commitment to a new life. When John proposed to Misty he asked for me to help them with marriage counseling and the wedding ceremony.:
”After John and Misty were married they became volunteers with C@P helping others with meals and relational navigation. Many times John has used his experience as a contractor to renovate and improve the building at Turner Rd., including the addition of a laundry room and small kitchen space in the past two years. John now serves on our Board and faithfully helps us discern opportunities and program development.”
We are thankful for our relationship with John!
6.
A THANK YOU NOTE FROM A PREVIOUS GUEST
We received this kind and thoughtful thank you note from a former guest at our CCS site. They said it was okay to share it with our community. ”I moved to Salem bcuz I couldn't find a high enough paying job to survive in rural Oregon. I had nothing but clothes. I stayed at C@P CCS campus. I was also struggling with my mental health & wanted to give up. In the mornings it would be Annie & Marcus that encourage me. At night Katie & Hamadi would make sure I was okay. They were my therapist and friends thru it all. I took me a little over 30 days to get in transitional housing. I spent 6 months in transitional housing. Now I am in my own apartment with my son. I have a great job, my vehicle runs, and my son is doing amazing.”
“I am vocal about my experience bcuz everyone I met there does not fit the cookie cutter stereo types we have for homeless. Affordable housing is a major issue as is lack of mental health treatment. What surprised me most is the number of ppl who have worked all their lives. Gave their bodies to their jobs & are homeless for all their efforts. I will forever be grateful for the help I received, the counsel and encouragement, and the friends I made there. Thank you, C@P!”
7.
MYTHS ABOUT HOMELESSNESS
If you’ve spent any time online, you have likely heard some comments or feedback about homelessness, the City of Salem’s response to homelessness, or C@P, specifically. Here are a few examples:
“[C@P] is only after the sweet, sweet public [money] to keep themselves (and their close friends) employed.”
“I hear Portland is giving homeless people free bus tickets to come to Salem.”
“From talking with these people, the majority of willfully homeless people don't want to conform to rules and would rather continue their habits unabated.”
“Church at the Park is just encouraging people to stay homeless and not get jobs.”
“Why do we need more shelter beds when there are open beds at some shelters?”
We are engaging with these questions, along with other popular ideas, in our newsletters and on our website We would love to hear some of the things you may have heard or questions you might have.
Is there a question about homelessness that you would like us to explore or address? Let us know. We love having meaningful conversations about things that matter.
8.
INVITATIONS
MEN’S CLOTHING NEEDED. Church at the Park has a huge need for men's clothing and shoes right now. Please consider bringing your gently used items to our donation site! We also have a wish list if you prefer to purchase items!
Do you like playing in the dirt? We have a volunteer opportunity for you! Juanita, our master gardener is looking for some help at 7am and 8pm everyday to water our gardens. If this sounds interesting to you, fill out a volunteer application on our website to start volunteering!
WEEKLY TOUR - Join us on Thursdays at 1:30PM for a tour of the Micro-Shelter Community at our CCS site. This is a great way to connect with our leaders, meet some of our wonderful staff, and see how our sites operate. Let us know if you have questions or want to schedule a tour. Individual or group tours are available.
SHUTTLE TOUR FOR ALL SITES - Interested in taking a tour of all of our sites while having a conversation with DJ, C@P founder? We are doing tours from Noon to 2:00PM on the last Wednesday of the month. This month’s tour is on July 27. We have a bus with comfy seats for 12. Bring your own lunch. If you or your group are interested, send Krystal an email.
9.
SUCCESSFUL TURNER ROAD FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
We have successfully met our goal of matching a $100,000 grant. Work on the building began this week with the installation of a new HVAC system, just in time for summer!
Thanks to everyone who made generous donations to this project.
Special thanks for a campaign closing donation from Dr. Bud Pierce!
10.
LECTIONARY REFLECTION
Each week, C@P staff engage with a reading in the Gospels from the lectionary. This week’s reading is Luke 10:1-12, which tells the story of Jesus sending out 70 of his followers to share the good news of the Kingdom of God. The passage touches on many things, like what it means to share good news, how to receive hospitality, and what it means to be missional.
We encourage you to sit with the text and see what God has to say to you through it.
The Guest House
a poem by Rumi
This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
This week, how can you make the unexpected visitors (sometimes referred to as "interruptions") in your life feel welcome?