Episcopal Church of the Ascension: “Outreach” Ways We Can Make a Difference

How often have we seen a homeless person and wanted to do something! But how should we help? All the charitable agencies tell us that we should not give homeless people money because what we want the money to do is not always how the money is spent. The Ecumenical Council of Pasadena Congregations (ECPAC) and its programs can help us assist the homeless in the right way.

Here at Ascension we’ve supported the Bad Weather Shelter. But the Shelter is not the only ECPAC program we can help. Friends Indeed House is a food distribution center where the homeless and the poor can come for food on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Much of this food comes from the Los Angeles Food Bank which services many food distribution locations in Los Angeles County. Perhaps you’ve read about the decrease in the amount of food available for distribution at places like Friends Indeed House. More and more often, this facility is having to rely on private sources, people like us, to make up the difference.

Friends Indeed House currently services 2500 people a month. Their doors open at 10:00, but people start lining up as early as 8:30. Four days a week, Friends Indeed House sponsors The Women’s Room, a place, where homeless women find refuge from the streets, shower, wash clothes, nap, and socialize in a safe environment. Once a month, a member of St. Mark’s in Altadena gives haircuts. Members of the staff let these women know what resources are available to help them improve their current situations. One woman who comes to the Women’s Room said, “It’s nice to come here because they’re dealing with us as women – not homeless women, but people who have a need.” Future plans for the Women’s Room include installing a shower and getting a washer/dryer.

The Women’s Room Coordinator is looking for volunteers who will provide a hot mmeal – something simple such as soup. Maybe we could help here. Want to help?

* Donate non-perishable goods to Friends Indeed’s food distribution program: Peanut butter, canned meats,
cereals and protein based foods are always needed. For the homeless, pull top cans work best.
* Donate fruit and vegetables from your trees/gardens – Have too many oranges, tangerines, avocadoes? Plant too much zucchini? There is always a need.
* Provide a backpack or other school supplies for low income children.
* Make a financial contribution to ECPAC
* Designate ECPAC for your United Way Contribution
* Ask your employer to match your gift if applicable
* Volunteer
-At the food bank
-At the Women’s Room
-At the Bad Weather Shelter

Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 25 E. Laurel Ave., Sierra Madre, (626) 355-1133 or visit www.ascension-sierramadre.com.