Locals work to feed and house the needy
Published on Wed, Jul 15, 2009Read More Communities
Hands Together, a group recently formed to address the needs of homeless and low-income people in Arlington, is working to offer emergency shelter next winter on nights when the temperature drops below 33 degrees Fahrenheit.
"It is a huge undertaking and will require a great deal of cooperation from community members to make this happen," said Rev. Deena Jones, chair of Hands Together and pastor of Arlington United Church. "Many volunteers will be needed, and no one church or civic organization would likely be able to handle it on their own."
"At this time, we are researching possible locations for the shelter, which could be a church, but wouldn't have to be," Jones continued. "We are also putting together a list of supplies that will be needed, with the estimated cost to house each person."
Hands Together currently sponsors two feeding programs. Wings of Hope offers a hot breakfast served at Hosanna Christian Fellowship every Wednesday morning from 8 to 10 a.m., and Brown Bag Brigade distributes healthy sack lunches every Friday around 12:30 p.m. at the Arlington Food Bank.
A fundraising choral event, Voices Together for Hands Together, will be held Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center to raise money for the proposed shelter. Several area churches are participating by sending their choirs or other musical groups to share their talents. Each choir will perform two numbers, and the groups will join together for a grand finale led by Lyle Ford.
The next meeting for Hands Together will be Thursday, August 13, at 9:30 a.m. at Arlington United Church. All persons interested in helping others in the community are invited to attend, or call (360) 435-3259 for more information.
"It is a huge undertaking and will require a great deal of cooperation from community members to make this happen," said Rev. Deena Jones, chair of Hands Together and pastor of Arlington United Church. "Many volunteers will be needed, and no one church or civic organization would likely be able to handle it on their own."
"At this time, we are researching possible locations for the shelter, which could be a church, but wouldn't have to be," Jones continued. "We are also putting together a list of supplies that will be needed, with the estimated cost to house each person."
Hands Together currently sponsors two feeding programs. Wings of Hope offers a hot breakfast served at Hosanna Christian Fellowship every Wednesday morning from 8 to 10 a.m., and Brown Bag Brigade distributes healthy sack lunches every Friday around 12:30 p.m. at the Arlington Food Bank.
A fundraising choral event, Voices Together for Hands Together, will be held Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center to raise money for the proposed shelter. Several area churches are participating by sending their choirs or other musical groups to share their talents. Each choir will perform two numbers, and the groups will join together for a grand finale led by Lyle Ford.
The next meeting for Hands Together will be Thursday, August 13, at 9:30 a.m. at Arlington United Church. All persons interested in helping others in the community are invited to attend, or call (360) 435-3259 for more information.
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