Blessing Bags for the Unhoused
2023 Cooperative Response Grant Recipient | First UMC of Festus-Crystal City | Festus, MO
The Cooperative Response Grants aim to empower and support ecumenical community projects and outreaches that address poverty in impactful ways to the local community. Festival of Sharing hopes to recognize and lift up congregations as they work together to make healthier, happier and safer communities using local strengths and assets.
A partnership between First UMC of Festus-Crystal City and First Christian Church of Festus is doing just this- coming together to respond to the unhoused in their county.
As a teacher, Florence Borman was passionate about service and community outreach. One of her classes, The Power of One, would engage in yearly service projects such as a Christmas dinner for homeless veterans. Now, as a member of First UMC of Festus-Crystal City, Florence is continuing to learn and serve in the community by leading an initiative to increase community awareness and knowledge around the unhoused community of Jefferson County. A personal connection with a member at a neighboring church helped open the door to the first partner in this endeavor, and funds from the Cooperative Response Grant helped purchase supplies for the initiative's first outreach project.
Together, the churches have been working on assembling bags of supplies for unhoused individuals. The bags contain band-aids, travel-sized toiletries, an emergency poncho, a flashlight, gloves and hand warmers, small snacks, feminine hygiene products, and more. These "Blessing Bags" are available to members of both churches to distribute in the community. "The congregation at First UMC has been supportive and engaged with this work, bringing in donations and distributing bags in the community," says Florence. "We are getting donations without having to solicit them, and I am refilling the blessing bag basket each week."
While these churches meet immediate health and comfort needs, they also dive deeper through learning and training. The initiative hosts a learning series called "Standing Together in the Gap: Ending Homelessness in Our Community." Every other month, a speaker leads a time of learning about homelessness and related topics. Guest speakers have included volunteers from The Homeless Youth Initiative in Jefferson County and the Behavioral Health Response. In February 2024, the guest speaker will be Dr. Kristen Leslie, Professor of Pastoral Care from Eden Seminary. Attendees learn about deconstructing common misbeliefs, understanding common mental health concerns, and best practices when interacting with the unhoused. These events are open to the community and have been attended by numerous people representing at least 6 other churches in the area.
Word about the initiative continues to spread and inspire community involvement and connections. In December of 2023, a local organization working with folks in recovery assembled and donated 100 blessing bags, and the Outpatient Rehabilitation team at Mercy Jefferson collected hats and gloves to be used in bags. The Jefferson County Coalition for the Unhoused is a conversation partner and connector in this work.
The ecumenical and community partnerships in this response embody the vision Festival of Sharing has for responding to poverty at the community level. Using God's gifts of people and knowledge, the initiative provides comfort and hope and works for change in their community.