2009 Hope for Homeless Ministry Drive

January 24th kicked off BHITC’s 2009 Hope for the Homeless Ministry Drive.  These one day events brought together youth groups, families and individuals in a spirit of service.  Participants met at Trinity Lutheran to put together lunches, hygiene kits and winter apparel.  Small groups were then led by BHITC to the streets to minister to the homeless.  Upon returning to Trinity, participants helped serve a meal to around 200 homeless adults.  Each event closed with an opportunity to share and reflect on the day’s experiences.

The final Hope for the Homeless event is this Saturday, February 28th.

BHITC group leader, Nick, handing out supplies

Youth from Gethsemane Lutheran Lakewood packing lunches

Volunteers delivering supplies under a bridge

Serving the Homeless during the Holidays

The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless reported in 2007 that 20,087 people in Cuyahoga County were homeless at some point during the year.  On any given night there are around 2,000 people without a home to sleep in, and around 200 who are forced to live unsheltered on the streets.  Building Hope in the City’s homeless ministry reaches out to these members of our community, providing food, survival kits, and opportunities for conversation and prayer.

In December, youth groups, Girl Scout troops, families and individuals came together to bring some hope and comfort to the homeless during the holidays.

To learn more about homelessness in Cleveland and what you can do to help, visit the NEOCH web site and the Cleveland Homeless blog.

Volunteers serve homemade chili to the homeless

Girl Scouts sewed backpacks and put together kits to hand out at the homeless dinner at Trinity Lutheran.