Community Resource Center, St. Andrew's, Mahtomedi. Join us in the first part of the series, "Conversations About Homelessness," to get an overview of what poverty and homelessness look like in our area. The speaker for this session will be Carol Zierman, the Coordinator of Heading Home Ramsey.
Information on the series: Few people realize that there has been a huge increase in suburban families experiencing homelessness. Over half the individuals are children, average age six. Most of us associate homelessness with the people lining up at downtown at Union Gospel Mission or Dorothy Day shelters. Most suburban families who experience homelessness have never experienced this crisis before, and are bewildered about where to find help. 85% of those calling the Community Resource Center at St. Andrew’s Lutheran in Mahtomedi are turned away. Recently, a mother with a one-year-old called and said she had spent the past two nights in a bus shelter and a hospital waiting room.
Isaiah says in chapter 58 verse 7: Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
More and more churches and synagogues are taking action on this mandate, but there is still widespread lack of knowledge in our communities regarding the scope of of homelessness, its impact on families - especially children, what is being done, and what still needs to be done.
Please consider sharing information with your church membership about a series being held over the next four months titled: “Conversations About Homelessness”. This series will be held in the Community Resource Center at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi. All are welcome!
Sunday, September 16th, 2012 – What Is Homelessness? Carol Zierman, Coordinator of Heading Home Ramsey
Sunday, October 7th, 2012 – Teen Homelessness – What Is Being Done And By Whom? Cheryl Carrigan, Youth Advocate for Ramsey and Washington Co.
Sunday, November 4th, 2012 – What Are The Effects Of Homelessness On Children? Ryan Strack, Director/Case Manager of School District #622
Sunday December 2nd, 2012 – What Is The Cost Of Doing Nothing? Martha Eaves, Director of Project Hope
The programs are held in the west end of the Great Hall building, in the Community Resource Center, from 10:30-11:30 AM.
Sponsored by the St. Andrew’s Homelessness task Force
