Outreach Work

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January 25, 2025 A Day in the Life of the Purpose of Change

Volunteers arrive before daylight at a local church. It is a 'feels like' temperature of 6 degrees. They move into the actions of a well-rehearsed routine; some make coffee, some load the breakfast into the trailer and check the supplies, some load up new donations and blessings bags to be given out. There is laughter and camaraderie intermixed with the work at hand. They head out in a truck and trailer ready to help those in need.

Arriving in Cleveland on a day as cold as this, they know that there will be few who are on the streets or in tents. Many without shelter opt to go to warming centers that open for the bitter cold nights.

The truck drives a routine route of known encampments, but will often stop as a volunteer points out that there's someone on the street. A lone individual lying on the sidewalk in need of help. The procedure is to stop, several volunteers hop out of the truck. One or more approach to see if they want breakfast, hot coffee, or other supplies. The volunteers get a warm breakfast into a to-go container, prepare coffee, look for clothing in the requested sizes, grab blankets, hats, gloves, and leave the unsheltered person with as much warmth and food as they can offer.

A few of the regulars were in their usual spots, and were greeted by name as they were offered new supplies and food. The regulars like to chat with the familiar faces who come to see them bi-weekly about fishing, or bikes, or other conversations that one would have with a friend.

A tip about a man living in an alley who was in need of warm clothing and food led the group to a section not previously served. Word of mouth, coming from police officers, city workers, University students, and people visiting downtown, is typically how the group learns of new locations to serve.

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Mahatma Gandhi

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Dec 28th, 2024

We continue to serve the homeless population in Cleveland. Many have been given housing at this point but there are still many without shelter. A team of 8 volunteers went out on Saturday morning. We offered a warm breakfast and hot coffee to those without shelter. Each person also gets a blessing bag which contains several hygiene products, fruit cups, granola bars, a pair of socks, and cleansing wipes. We also offer blankets, clothing, underwear, hats, gloves, etc. Most of these supplies are donated to our organization and sorted by our volunteers.

We are discussing the opportunity to touch more lives by heading into Elyria and Lorain as well. All donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated!