Giving Heart Englewood and Severe Weather Shelter Network have a unique history. It began when my friend Paul and his wife Janae felt called to serve people experiencing homelessness in Englewood. Our mutual friend Dave had started a worship service in the Englewood Civic Center. The intent was to bridge economic, racial and gentrification gaps that exist in our community and bring everyone together in a casual worship experience.
The surprise was that many of the people attending worship were experiencing homelessness in Englewood. Worship was a good place to get inside for a while. People welcomed them as guests and took time to get to know them. As the ministry grew it became evident that God was doing something more. Expressed needs were elevated and being met through relationships with local churches. Giving Heart Englewood was born out of this expression of God’s love for people.
About the same time Severe Weather Shelter Network began to recognize the need for a Warming Site. Lynn Ann and Paul brainstormed together what that might look like and began to put some structure around it. There were of course hiccoughs in the first season we tried this, but overall it was a great success. We had the opportunity to compare the experience of our guests in the South Region to the experience of our guests in the Central Region where we did not have a Warming Site. The end of season conclusion showed us that Severe Weather Shelter Network needed to expand our relationships in order to add another Warming Site in the Central Region.
My friend Paul has gone on to be with our Lord now. I still miss him terribly. I celebrate Donna and Kirt who have stepped into the Director role and have grown Giving Heart Englewood to an important ministry reaching, supporting and encouraging as many as 60 people many days they are open. Resources, connections and most importantly relationships are being built and strengthened with our guests. Donna and I sit down together regularly to talk through our mutual challenges and brainstorm how we can work together to address them in a way that brings health, healing and wholeness to those we serve. Together we stand in defense of our guests, advocating for their needs within the city and the local church.
Giving Heart Englewood is our Warming Site in Englewood. But they are so much more. They are truly warriors with us as we seek to raise awareness in our broader community as to the realities of life on the streets. We stand shoulder to shoulder to help people understand that our guests are no different than anyone else…they are just in the midst of a difficult part of their life journey.
Giving Heart Englewood is one of our designated beneficiaries for The Journey Home 5K Walk. I am thrilled to be sharing the blessing of financial support with them.
Will you join us? Click on this link to register for the walk and make a financial gift that will support Giving Heart Englewood and Severe Weather Shelter Network.
Loving our partners and looking to see you on September 15th,
Lynn Ann Huizingh
Executive Director