Each winter, First Presbyterian houses 25 homeless men during Winter Relief, one of Arundel House of Hope’s programs. During our host week, guests stay in Fellowship Hall where rows of sleeping cots and folding tables are arranged. Delicious meals, hot showers, clean linens, haircuts and even a Bingo night are only part of the experience. Warm and nurturing volunteers dispense a week’s worth of God’s love. In return the volunteers receive back heartfelt appreciation and valuable insights into lives that many times are wrought with difficulties. Read more: Winter Relief Daily Blog.
Over 70 volunteers take part in our hosting week. Night monitors, meal preparers, help desk coordinators, set-up and break-down crews, are just some of the volunteer opportunities available. In many years, we are joined by memberse of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church which helps wtih volunteers and funding. We have been grateful for their help. Planning for each new year begins at the close of the prior year. It takes a full 12 months to be completely prepared for this important service. For more information on this outreach ministry, contact Steve Hays, Bill Hatchl, or Cathy Starnes.