“Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me…Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers or sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25: 31-40
For over 30 years, All Saints parishioners have been participating in the Homeless Shelter Ministry. Every winter season from November through March, we provide hot meals and bagged lunches to homeless men spending the night in two downtown Atlanta church shelters – Central Presbyterian and the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
In 1980 Central Night Shelter (now Bashor Homeless Men’s Shelter) a nonprofit organization, began serving homeless men every night during the winter months. Various area churches, organizations, and individuals sign up for one or more of the nights. All Saints commits to ten Saturday or Sunday nights each year, feeding approximately 100 men per night.
We are very fortunate to have so many volunteers offer their help year after year. Some even participate several nights in a season. Parish women’s circles and groups prepare meals for 30 to 100 men; some individuals show up every time to make sandwiches; and one of our faithful volunteers prepares an entrée for all guests every year. Many parents involve their children to give them the experience of serving those less fortunate. And let’s not forget our wonderful Knights of Columbus organization, which has continually provided financial support, and many individual Knights often spend the night at the shelter.
There are many ways to get involved: prepare hot meals from home, make sandwiches in the Activities Building kitchen, serve meals at the shelter, spend the night at the shelter. Every October, we are assigned our ten nights for the upcoming winter. Through the online program SignUpGenius you choose your date(s) and specify how you would like to help. If you’re unable to be actively involved but want to contribute, financial donations to offset expenses are appreciated. If you have never been involved in this worthwhile ministry, we believe you will find it a very rewarding experience!
God bless,
Homeless Shelter Ministry Coordinator