Hunger and Poverty Task Force Meeting
We would like to invite all members of the congregation, including the RE High School members, to join in with the UUCSF Hunger and Poverty Task Force on projects for this new church year, including: (1) organizing the UU effort to serve the Interfaith Homeless Shelter for two separate weeks; and (2) offering an exciting series of advocate training workshops to help people in poverty and other issues. Our first meeting, where we'll complete these plans and possibly other ideas, will be on Saturday, September 4, at 9 am. For more information, contact Kitty Sherlock at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
UUCSF Hunger and Poverty Task Force Actions
For each of two weeks in March and April, over 100 members of the UUCSF and their friends volunteered to provide food and shelter for homeless people in Santa Fe at the Interfaith Community Shelter. Thanks to everyone who participated in this important project and made it an outstanding team effort!
This experience has increased our awareness of the conditions, numbers and needs of people who are homeless in Santa Fe. Donations may be made to Faith at Work serving homeless and others in need.
The numbers during May did not diminish--rather the initial requests for assistance continued to increase. Totals were 326 initial calls for assistance, including 138 calls for rent or mortgage support, 110 for utilities and 15 for furniture. At the end of the month there were several calls from people returning to work who needed clothing--a sign of hope that there may be more employment opportunities for our clients. When we were not able to assist because we had depleted the month’s funds or we had no desired items, we made the time to identify other possible resource agencies.
Accolades go to our generous volunteers who continue to greet clients, take phone calls, sort and organize donations, follow up on clients and move furniture—as well as serve as bookkeepers, deliver food and continue “spreading the word” about how we each put our faith in action.
What do our clients need? Your financial support—utilities are covered up to $300; housing support up to $500. Linens including towels and queen size blankets. Ongoing clothing needs include men’s jeans and shorts, women’s shorts, adult underwear and sox, especially heavy cotton sox and also toiletries.
Ongoing food needs are snack items, fruit juices, pancake mix, dried milk and meals in a can.
Furniture and house wares requests continue to be high. We can always find new homes for couches, mattresses and springs with bed frames, end tables and kitchen tables and chairs. House ware needs include: toasters, coffee makers, hand mixers, microwave ovens, cooking and baking utensils, pots and pans, glasses, throw rugs, and silverware.
Blessings to each and everyone of you. And many thanks to you for the generosity you share with Faith and Work in support of our mission. Please contact Angela Merkert at
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