SVDP June and July Update

The month of June through mid-July continues a trend of receiving requests for help from neighbors we have not seen before (17% of calls received were from new neighbors).   The good news is that several of these neighbors are moving out of homelessness!  However, they move into subsidized housing with nothing, only the clothes they own.  This means they have no furniture, kitchen items, beds, towels, hygiene items, food, etc.   We visit these neighbors and often sit on the floor of their living rooms to hear their stories.  

They are relieved to have a safe place for their families, but are overwhelmed about what to do next.  We celebrate with them and then talk about what we can help with – food that does not require cooking (they have no pots, plates, utensils), info on food banks, gift cards to Fred Meyer, Goodwill, or SVDP Thrift stores, and maybe beds, if our finances can support it.  We hear how grateful they are to have a visit and a response to their call for help.  We have heard that many other agencies do not return their calls or reply, stating that they have no funds to help.

SVDP is blessed to respond to our neighbors, but we often feel our response is insufficient.   However, we leave feeling blessed to have had the opportunity to meet these neighbors and offer a small bit of help.   We also tell them that you, our parishioners, are the reason we have funds and food and thus the ability to help them.  

Thank you for supporting us in this ministry.  Please continue to help us financially (our funds are spent so quickly due to the great need) and for keeping our pantries stocked.  We cannot do this work without you!