Outreach

The VIC-HOP effort is going well, almost half way through the winter season, as reported at the January VIC meeting.  An average of 21 guests have spent each night, serving a total of 68 unduplicated individuals.  During the blizzard there was an over-abundance of volunteers willing to help out on each holiday night specifically.  We still have need for assistance the next two months with brown bag breakfasts, meals and/or spending the night.  Please see Rosemary Kley.

Thank you to all contributors to UCM!  1,000s of children benefited from the gifts given.  

After many meetings and much preparation, the Fairfax County 10 Year End To Homelessness program officially began in 2009.  Recognizing that Shelters will always exist, planning participants thus far are very positive in understanding the problem differently.  The emphasis is on new thinking and collaborations.  All agencies are sharing in prevention and diversion policies that give support, debt relief, and job search assistance through assigned case managers, before the ultimate loss of shelter.  Money was lost when the Penny Fund was cut last years defining priorities and using new funding resources are important.  See more details on the bulletin board. 

Membership dues for VOICE of Mt. Vernon chapter are now being solicited and gathered.  The goal of $1500 to forward to the larger VOICE organization is nearly met. Checks may be sent to St. Luke's Church, 6008 Ft. Hunt Rd. Alexandria. 

Rosemary Kley

Upcoming Outreach Activities

March 21 (First Day of Spring!): Crop Walk 

April 2 (Good Friday): Virtual bus trip thru Mt. Vernon area’s Stations of the Cross.

CROP Walk. This year’s CROP Walk will be on Sunday, March 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. Sign up to walk or to sponsor a walker today!

UCM Food Contributions. Remember every week we collect food for United Community Ministries. Please place your donated food in the basket in the Sanctuary entrance. It is presented at the offertory.

 Episcopal Relief and Development (er-d.org) is the Episcopal Church’s aid center for international support efforts, year round.  Your donations are used wisely and financial reports are open.  Check their web site for more information for both near and far term. You can purchase fair trade coffee, and appropriate gifts through a catalog. ERD’s flyer on the crisis in Haiti is available in the Narthex.    

Do you have useable furniture to donate?  Call The Back Porch, 703/799-7015, or Rising Hope 703/360-1976.  Each keeps a list with requests; you will be put in touch with the individual to make arrangements.