See how Valley Covenant will be serving the homeless this winter.
Last winter was especially harsh in Eugene, and in December Major Thomas Egan, a homeless veteran, froze to death on the street during a snowstorm.
In response to this tragedy, an emergency coalition of governmental, nonprofit and religious groups quickly formed to provide temporary shelter for the homeless, and named it the Egan Warming Center. Last year the shelter was located at the National Guard Armory, which is owned by the county. Over the five nights that the Center was open last year, cots were provided for 600 visitors, more than 1,200 meals were served, and about 70 volunteers helped out.
Unfortunately, the shelter had to close down due to sheer numbers of the homeless, and lack of volunteers. “We had people with complex medical problems, mental health and substance abuse issues, and there was not enough staffing to adequately meet their needs,” said Pearl Wolfe, Lane County Human Services Commission supervisor. “We could not operate in a way that was safe for everybody.”
This year, The Egan Warming Center is trying to be better prepared. Last Sunday many area churches supported the Center by donating their entire collection plates toward the effort. Three churches--Valley Covenant being one of them--will open their doors whenever the temperature drops below 28 degrees. Jim Kooiman, who has led blood drives at VCC, has taken the lead in helping us find a place of service with the Warming Center.
Training sessions are scheduled for this Thursday evening, and Saturday morning. By the last estimate I heard, the Center needs another 100 volunteers. Please pray that the Lord will raise them up, for soon the fields and streets will be white, not only with harvest, but with frost and snow.
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