Community working together with Excellence for the “least of these”
In February 2013, an invitation was extended to Lakewood churches to consider opening their doors to provide space for emergency shelter for individuals living on the streets. This is right up our alley as the Church! Matthew 25:40 was selected as our founding and guiding verse because it speaks to Christ’s heart for those most in need.
Here we are now, April 10th 2020. Seven years of emergency shelter under our belt. Collaboration is still the foundation of our ministry. We work closely with service providers, other nonprofits, city and county agencies, local businesses and of course, the Church. Eight different denominations are represented in our volunteer corps along with a good number of unaffiliated community members!
It gives me a great deal of pleasure to know that we are known for excellence in what we do. We were designated as the West Metro Chamber NonProfit of the year for 2019. What an honor! And a recognition of all the many partners who took the time to say “thank you” in this humbling way.
Yet we continue to look to the horizon to see what we can do better. How can we partner better within our community? How can we make sure shelter happens safely, full of grace, compassion, accountability and most importantly…love?
Today is the last day for the 40 HANDS in forty days campaign. Severe Weather Shelter Network was selected as one of 40 organizations to be elevated for doing our work with excellence in our community.
Our original financial goal was $20,ooo. COVID has certainly had its impact on all the organizations participating in this campaign and for so many more.
In God’s faithfulness to this ministry we have raised $13,073.34 as of April 8th. That is amazing in the current circumstances!
Will you help us finish well by giving your best gift today? We would like to raise a total of $15,000 by 5pm today… Friday, April 10th. That is just another $2,000 to reach the new goal.
Go to 40handsinfortydays.org to give your best gift right now
Thank you! Thank you for helping us continue serving our guests through these next months with supplies and personal support. Thank you for helping us prepare for our next shelter season which will come whether we are ready or not. Thank you for giving!
Lynn Ann Huizingh/Executive Director