Author: Shepherd’s Way

Interesting day doing outreach. Kept seeing faces from the past, from years ago. Back on the streets. Somewhat chilly, hint of Fall– people asking for jackets, hoodies and sweaters. Ordering a bunch of emergency mylar survival blankets. Gave out the usual: Snack packs, water, and hygiene kits. Noticing more tents showing up between the interstate Read more

telling it like it is – we’re not going to sugarcoat it! You see someone covered in filth and vomit. You drop everything, go out in the pouring rain and spend close to $100 on new shoes and clothes. You return the next day and see them wearing the same filthy garments and footwear; they Read more

2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Read more

Telling it like it is (w/o divulging names, incidents etc – – we try hard to respect the dignity of others). When unhoused homeless get moved from one spot to another, they often go to another camp. This can cause problems (unrest, theft, violent behavior, etc). We might go to a place where we know Read more

We’ve been asked why we don’t try to do more to advocate for affordable housing. It’s because it is not our mission. We prefer to spend the resources (financial and human) that we have on providing the basics for the unhoused who are living outdoors trying to survive in the elements: Food, water, clothing, tarps, Read more

People have said to me, “Where is Jesus? Why is he not doing more to help?” Then they say, “Christianity is failing!” To that I say, ‘the holy spirit is all around us. Christianity isn’t failing. It’s because too many people no longer want to practice it. They don’t want to make the sacrifices it Read more

notes of a shepherd’s way outreach worker,,, “It’s 2:30am. I can’t get back to sleep. I am worrying about the young people I meet in the park. I will see them again in a few hours. Teenagers some, runaways no doubt. I know they’re cold; frightened for sure. The evil facing them is too much. Read more

Chronic homelessness often compounds substance use issues. Lack of stable housing situations, trauma, mental health issues, and social isolation all contribute to substance misuse. We are of the opinion that any efforts to address homelessness must include comprehensive support for substance abusers, including substance use treatment and harm reduction strategies. Read more

Our ‘Help With Basics’ program works primarily through our outreach but we make it available to shelters and resource centers whenever we can. We try to purchase items for this program in bulk from hotel and medical supply companies, wholesale outlets, and rely very much on In-kind donations. In these challenging economic times it is Read more

What Affects Them The Most: Limited access to health care. Problems getting enough food. Trouble staying safe. Violence. Stress. Unsanitary living conditions. Exposure to severe weather Read more