Homelessness Right Here
Learn how you can join others at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in making a difference for those in our community who struggle with homelessness. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, calls us to help those in need. We are studying the issue in our community and discovering how we can help end homelessness. Together we can make a difference!
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Send us your email address to receive email updates and reports from the Homelessness Task Force, upcoming events and opportunities to serve.
Homelessness Awareness Sunday is Oct. 10, 2010 (10/10/10)
Homelessness Right Here, Part 2
Faye was born in 1969 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When she was two years old she moved to St. Paul, Minn., and a year later her mother gave birth to Faye's youngest brother. During her teenage years the family moved constantly. Her mom, as a single mother, was trying to support three kids. She always worked but struggled to make ends meet. Faye never knew where they were going to live next.
Faye started working while in junior high school. Every summer she worked in a special work-study program sponsored by 3M. She graduated from high school, worked for a year, and then registered at Minneapolis Community College, majoring in human services. While in college, she met a young man who was intelligent, motivated, worked hard and was full of potential. They were married when she was 23 years old, and one year later they had their first child and then their second.
All was going well when three years later, everything changed. Faye's husband started experimenting with drugs, and he quickly became a full blown addict. During this time, she was pregnant and on bed rest with their third child. Her husband, who had always been quiet and sweet, became physically and verbally abusive as his addiction worsened.
Faye realized that her life was in danger. In August of 2003, after their third child was born, she fled the marriage and went to live at a homeless shelter in Minneapolis. She looked for permanent housing but was unable to find anything that was safe and affordable, even though she was working.
Thankfully, through shelter and supportive services provided by East Metro Women's Council, Faye was able to move into clean, safe and affordable transitional housing with her children. She was able to begin pursuing her lifelong dream of completing her bachelor's degree and a career in human services to support and raise her three beautiful and successful children.
Facts: On October 22, 2009, 9,654 homeless adults, youth and children were counted in shelters, transitional housing and on the streets in Minnesota. In all, 3,251 children were counted with their parents, and had an average age of 6 and a half. 44 percent of homeless adults are on a waiting list for some form of public housing. Did you know that approximately 18% of renters in Washington County pay at least 50% of their income on housing?
Learn how you can join others at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in making a difference for those in our community who struggle with homelessness. We are studying the issue in our community and discovering how we can help end homelessness. You can:
1) Receive email updates and reports from the Homelessness Task Force SIGN ME UP TO RECEIVE UPDATES
2) Join us on Homelessness Awareness Sunday, October 10, 2010 (10/10/10), 10:30 a.m. in the Youth & Sports Center. We will have speakers from the community to educate us on homelessness and help us learn how we can make a difference!
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Kellie Cardinal at 651-762-9124.
Help Wanted
We have a great opportunity to help those who struggle with homelessness in our community. We are looking for people who can help us sort and deliver clothing and household items. Larger items may require a truck and a dolly. We also need experienced eBay and Craig's List sellers to list items for sale. If you can help, please contact Kellie Cardinal at 651-762-9124.
