When the weather gets cold . . . .
'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25:37-40
St. Michael parish houses up to 10 homeless men from November through February every year. The shelter operates 3 nights per week (Monday through Wednesday) in November and February and 5 nights per week (Sunday through Thursday) in December and January. Sacred Heart parish in Lacey provides shelter on Friday and Saturday during the same period. Guests are screened before being admitted to the shelter and are driven from the Salvation Army to church at 9:00 PM and returned in the morning at 6:30 AM. They are served a hot meal every evening by volunteers who prepare and serve.
The community has been generous to the shelter: Mother Joseph contributed enough mattresses for us and Sacred Heart, Providence St. Peter Operating Room staff donated clothing and shoes, parishioners donate bedding, socks, and underwear on an ongoing basis.
The shelter opened in November with low occupancy but has gradually increased and is now running close to full most nights. Other shelters have experienced the same thing and it was concluded that more friends and family were opening their homes. Many men prefer sleeping outdoors.
To find our more contact Joe & Nikki Raudebaugh, NJRaudebaugh@saintmichaelparish.org, (360) 754-4667 ext. 108.