The Cold Weather Shelter (CWS) is a partnership with the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, the faith community, and the Howard County government to provide shelter to those families and individuals who are in need of a warm place to stay during the colder months of the year. CMPC was the “host” congregation from the evening of Monday, December 28th through lunchtime on Monday, January 4th.
Due to the pandemic, the guests were sheltered by Grassroots in a local motel. Our congregation’s duties included providing meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and volunteers each evening to support the Grassroots staff, as well as funds to allow the guests to do their laundry. For our assigned week this season, Grassroots had 22 individuals enrolled in the CWS (including one 4-year-old and one infant).
We had a tremendous response to the call for volunteers and donors: 47 individuals signed-up to prepare and deliver meals or to be present in the evenings at the motel, and 37 generous donations were received totaling over $5,300. This amount is in addition to the $1,000 already budgeted for support to the CWS by CMPC’s Mission and Local Outreach Committee.
There certainly were challenges to overcome this year, and our congregation should be proud of the overwhelmingly positive support provided for these individuals and families in our community who are experiencing a crisis with their immediate need of the ability to obtain food and shelter. This outpouring of love is making a real difference in their lives.
The CWS Leadership Team:
Philip Davies – Pastor Hoffman – Don Kyle – Debbie O’Neal – Jeff Seymour – Hyiwot Teshome