Chippewa Valley Street Ministry Journal ~ August 25, 2024
Pastor Mike and I recently had a conversation about the changes that we've seen from pre-Covid to now and there are many. We've mentioned the differences previously: increased needs in terms of physical and mental health, increased volume of people needing services, increased substance use. There's a change in how people interact with not just us but one another. Years ago, we rarely heard arguments or raised voices and it's quite commonplace now. People are frustrated, tired and angry. From my perspective, there is a decrease – an almost absence – of hope. There's no hope for housing, no hope for many people that they will be able to get past their current circumstances. There's a feeling out there that many people may have accepted that this is not just their current situation but what their future looks like, too. We provide what we can to help people survive safely from one day to the next, but it is not enough to give lasting hope. We give words of encouragement and try to build relationships, but we can't provide answers or resources that will end their time on the street. How can we, or any other organization, provide lasting hope? We certainly can't make promises that everything will be okay. That would be inappropriate and unfair as we cannot deliver on such a promise. Hope is important not just to the people we serve, but all of us. It provides a reason to get up, to try, to keep moving forward. Is it the lack of hope that contributes to negative behaviors or the substance use that seems to be on the rise? Is it the decreased hope that increases the depression and other mental illness symptoms that we see?
As we prepare for being out on the street tomorrow, we're aware of the excessive heat warning. The heat is dangerous for everyone in the area but for those who have no permanent shelter or reprieve, it's an even greater danger. Nearly every day – even the days we don't officially serve, the street ministry leaves water in the community for people to drink and tomorrow we will, for certain, provide and encourage hydration. Please keep yourselves hydrated and safe from the increased temperatures and conditions.
We always bring water and Gatorade for our visitors and encourage hydration year-round.
As the summer starts to wind down and we all settle into the Fall routines, think about how hope affects you. Do you hope for good weather or good roads? Do you have hopes for your family and friends? What would your world look like if you didn't have hope? Think about the people we serve and consider what their hopes are/were and the challenges of maintaining that hope.
Please take a look at our needs list and if you are able, please help our brothers and sisters by donating. Please contact us with questions.
Blessings to all,
We accept used items that are clean and in good condition.
Hoodies - mens/womens, all sizes
Karen - Social Worker, Nurse, former County Jail Nurse.
We're in the end of August and as warm as it is, we're starting to prepare for cooler and colder weather.
Please review the following needs and if you're able, please help us keep our friends warm and safe in the upcoming months.
We accept used items that are clean and in good condition.
Hoodies - mens/womens, all sizes
Sweatpants - mens/womens, all sizes
Socks - white, both ankle and crew
Men's boxer briefs – all sizes
Backpacks - large sizes (not student size)
Tents - 2 person
Donations can be dropped off at:
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1120 Cedar Street, Eau Claire, 54703
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1120 Cedar Street, Eau Claire, 54703
(office hours: Mon-Thurs, 9am-12:30pm)
Checks can be mailed to:
Chippewa Valley Street Ministry, PO Box 51, Eau Claire, WI 54702
Online donations can be made via PayPal on our website and/or our Facebook page:
Chippewavalleystreetministry.o
(click on 'How Can I Help' ---> click on Donate button)
-or-
(Click on 'Shop Now' ---> click on Donate button)
