Homelessness is a continuous issue in our city and right now it seems both the political climate and some local programs have coalesced providing more than usual exposure. The way Calgary Church choses to address homelessness in our city is two-fold. We obviously partner with great organizations where we can giving time and cash (our friends at the Mustard Seed for example). But we also look at engaging one on one as well not as an offshoot outreach program but as an integrated component of community.
Lead by our downtown partners The House Coffee Sanctuary and King’s Bridge, Calgary Church walks alongside folks who are down and out. Although we don’t serve hundreds or even dozens a night, we journey with the one or two in hopes we can reciprocally transform each other.
Here’s one such story about someone in our community. Meet Gates….
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRTP9yHfit0]
How does your church respond? If you’re in the downtown area what is your church doing to address homelessness in its various forms?