Winter at PCM: Homelessness is not Seasonal

I recently shared in a TV commercial how, before working at the Mission, I had never talked to someone who became a homicide victim a few days later. Or, I met a child who had lived in a car for several months. Or, I had lunch with an elderly gentleman who had spent the last six months eating from dumpsters. Did you know that every one of those encounters actually happened?  And over the years it has made me realize that helping the homeless is not just another good cause. I am working with people who are often on the cusp of not surviving homelessness in winter.

But here’s the good news. Many of these lives can be rescued and, in many cases, turned around. There may not be a way to end homelessness in Lincoln. But we can end homelessness for a large number of men, women, and children who are looking for a way out. It just takes enough folks reaching out and offering a little help. When people come to us, they are in immediate need of lodging, access to food, and, in most cases, clothing and personal hygiene items. We offer those things to them, but we try and assist them with more than their basic needs.  We also offer recovery programs, as well as classes on topics such as budgeting and parenting. We connect them to other resources in the city. We help them find more permanent housing. The list goes on.

And we do all these almost entirely from public donations. Less than 1% of our funding comes from the government or grants. This year, we are on track to help over 30,000 people in need. And we can do this because individuals like you support our work. So, I am asking you to help us again. As the holidays end, giving in January and February tends to drop quite a bit. Unfortunately, colder weather and homelessness in winter creates a demand for our services. Our shelter, both on the men’s side and women and family side, are bursting at the seams. We do our best to accomodate everyone, but it gets more and more difficult as the need grows exponentially. Any amount you can give will make a difference for us.

Thanks again for your wonderful support of the homeless in our community. 
Together, we are saving many lives! 

God’s rich blessings,

Pastor Tom