You Can Make A Difference

What's wrong with this picture? We are frequently, painfully reminded of those less fortunate. So often we don't know how to really help the needy when they ask us, and giving them a buck or two seems fleeting. Now there's something more you can do.

Partners In Grace is a growing coalition for the needy that includes several city and church organizations.

Print out these handy "Street Sheets" and carry them with you. Consider them your road-map to the city, and every time you come across someone who needs a hand, and you don't just want to give them cash, share with them these informative pamphlets that are designed to help them, help themselves. Additionally, take the time to learn their name, get to know them a bit. This will help you understand which "Street Sheet" version will best suit their needs.

To print, select double-sided and fold in a four-fold. Depending on your printer settings, they may print in a micro form, which can fit in a pocket nicely, but remember most of these poor souls cannot afford glasses and may not be able to read such fine print.

All-Borough StreetSheets Are Here!

Just when you thought a great thing couldn't get any better, Amanda Parrish Block has notched-up her StreetSheets to an all-time high. Now when you see a needy person asking for help in any borough of our great city, you can carry these handy hyper-local outreach resource sheets to any borough - download yours today!

MEK's Annual Soup Kitchen Fund Raiser

I just began planning my annual fund-raiser for our church's soup kitchen, so if you're a fan you should be receiving an invitation soon.

Lost In Woonsocket Film Invitation

The United Methodist Church Of The Village (Seventh Avenue at 13th Street) will be showing the film, "Lost In Woonsocket" on Tuesday, May 12th at 6:30 p.m. There will be no charge, however donations will be accepted to continue funding the Village Church soup kitchen, "Hope For Our Neighbors In Need."

A miraculous journey of hope... Missing for years from their families, two alcoholics are discovered hiding in the woods of Woonsocket, RI by film crew. A series of profound coincidences lead to a miraculous reunion with their children, signifying the power of love and forgiveness. Just as the men begin their second chance at life one of them is forced to face a new challenge... small town fame.

Feed NYC!

On Sunday March 8th, concerned citizens and faith leaders in New York City are gathering to urge our local and national leaders to meet the difficult challenges now facing our local community and beyond. In these tough economic times, hungry and poor people are being hit the hardest. Rising unemployment and stagnant wages make it harder for low-income workers to provide food for their families, especially in light of sharply higher food prices--did anyone see the price of food go back down after gas prices did--wasn't that the reason we were told the prices went up?!

Date: Sunday March 8th, 2009
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Where: Judson Memorial Church
55 Washington Square South
New York, NY

Who:
Bread for the World
Interfaith Voices AgainstHunger/Feed the Solution
Hunger Action Network of New York State
New York Province of the Society of Jesus
Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church
Faith and Hunger Network
Partners In Grace
Hope For Our Neighbors In Need
Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship and more!

Homelessness Prevention Program To Lose Funding

Susan Dominus reports for "The New York Times" that The Homelessness Prevention Program will lose its funding in April because of the state’s gaping budget shortfall. Read the full article here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/nyregion/16bigcity.html

Religious Shelters Feel Squeezed By Rules

Leslie Kaufman reports for "The New York Times" that The Friends Quaker Meeting Shelter, a program that I have volunteered for in the past, is facing the possibility of being shuttered. Read the full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/25/nyregion/25shelter.html.