3 minute read
Men’s Shelter Radiates Love to Those Most in Need Throughout Our Community
There are stories of people in need all across the world — anywhere we turn, there seems to be suffering. As Christians, we want to help. As Jesus said in Matthew chapter 25, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Rick Kelling, Men’s Shelter coordinator, and Kellie Patton, Saint Michael Parish Administrative Assistant, ask us all to see the need right here in our own area. There are people experiencing homelessness and we have a unique opportunity to help.
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“We are called to serve,” Kellie says. “When we receive Holy Communion and engage with Christ in this most intimate way, we should allow that great love to radiate out. What a huge gift it is to touch another’s life with that most sacred loving spirit.”
“I have so much to be thankful for and I want to give to others who are less fortunate than I,” Rick says.
In a partnership with Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lacey, the SMP Men’s Shelter is operated as a coldweather shelter that runs from November through the end of March. The men spend the night here four nights per week and at Sacred Heart three nights per week. Intercity Transit is also a partner in this work, and during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they sent buses to the churches to transport the men back to the downtown area.
SMP also works with other homelessness providers in the area when there is extreme cold. In this case, temporary 24-hour shelters are offered at several places.
When the men arrive, they find a cot, and SMP Laundry Angels will wash their clothes for them. The men also receive a meal, made by volunteer chefs, and have a chance to take a shower. There is usually a movie offered before “lights out.” In the morning, their laundry is returned and they receive a cup of coffee and a sack lunch. Someone from SMP is available to discuss resources if the men need them. Often, hygiene kits are also distributed.
Rick does this work because he believes this is an amazing way to support those in need, right here in Olympia.
“I can only afford to contribute so much of my financial resources, but I have a lot of time,” Rick says. “I try to volunteer in ways that I think utilize my strengths.”
This is truly a large effort, Rick, Kellie, and all the staff at SMP are thankful for the 50 chefs, 48 hosts, and 25 Laundry Angels, all of whom contribute to make this ministry a reality.
More help is always needed. You can consider becoming a chef, host, or Laundry Angel. Help is also needed to prepare the hygiene kits or sack lunches, and donated items are needed to fill them. Monetary donations also support this work. Importantly, we must all pray for the men who visit the shelter.
“So often, they feel unloved, alone, and unwanted by society,” Kellie says. “Please pray that they come to recognize themselves as beloved children of God.”
“We have a super team of volunteers at the Men’s Shelter,” Rick says. “Come see the good you can do and the difference that is possible in providing our guests a safe, comfortable shelter for a single night.”
Rick wants to thank all those who have made it possible to continue this ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were still men in need, and they increased their capacity from 20 to 30 beds since other shelters were closed at the time.
Volunteers took care of additional cleaning to keep everyone safe during the pandemic.
Volunteers took care of additional cleaning to keep everyone safe during the pandemic.
