Love Shack Compassion Ministry

After going to As Is Church for roughly 2 years I felt I was called to serving with the Love Shack Compassion Ministry and started back in October 2018. I remember the first day I showed up. I remember how difficult it was walking in not knowing anyone but an old classmate Kathy was there and we reconnected. Right away I felt at ease and the others made me feel comfortable.

Every week I looked forward to our Wednesday nights when we would park the old laundry truck outside of the Oregon Clinic and serve a meal and give out clothing. You could have been having the worst day but that all changed when we served. The coldest days were the hardest knowing they didn't have a warm place to go back to but the most fulfilling was knowing that someone had food and conversation. I have always believed that while food was great it was letting people know that they were loved and matter. This is the heart that I have seen with EVERY person and partnership that has served with the Love Shack. It doesn't get any better.

Sadly in March of 2020 the pandemic hit and the decision was made to stop going out. Two weeks later it was clear that people on the streets were really struggling as many restaurants they went to were closed and people were afraid to go out to serve. I remember it as being a scary time but myself and others pulled together to get supplies and make this happen. It started with our Powell friends that I had known the best for several years then as we had more volunteers we began hitting camps from I205 up to 174th and from South of Powell to Stark and outside the Oregon Clinic. When I retired 4 years ago then we got even more busy and we added the laundry events.

Serving our homeless community was our entire teams heart. This past couple years have been difficult and each year I say (about myself) "I just want to get through the Winter months". But with that said, the past 6 months has been some of the most trying times and our families have experienced so many personal struggles. Our last laundry event was on September 23rd and later we went to just once a month Outreach to camps and this week the decision was made to stop our Outreach to camps all together.

The only reason I am sharing so much of this story is so everyone understands why this has not been an easy decision, there was a lot of praying and consideration. I know all that have served with the Love Shack have grown because of this ministry. Personally I have ZERO regrets and still believe that if everyone just shows love to each other and maybe buy our friends on the streets a meal (better yet buy and share a meal with them), wave to them, give them a smile its something that we all benefit from. Just be kind.

In closing I would like to say that as difficult as this decision has been I am at peace. I know there will still be times when I am contacted that people want detox, ID voucher or a need I am still here for them and I will reachout to see if others can assist with donations but that will be the extent of it. Thank you to all that have partnered with the Love Shack and for the MANY that have made donations to give a hand up to our friends on the streets.

The Love Shack Compassion Ministry is giving a big shout out and thank you to Chris and Shannon Hildebrand parents for cat food, Paula Fahey for 50 pairs of gloves and Brian Smith for another 50 pair. Also I previously put out a thank for beautiful fleece gloves that were delivered but didn't know who they were from, I now know they were from a dear friend that I first met in 5th grade Jeanne Nelsen.

Also many of you have seen the beautiful homemade blankets we receive from our friends and partners at Squares of Warmth. In December I picked up 19 more blankets, a pair of handmade gloves and even a pair of slippers. I took a just few photos of these squares but I think you will agree they are beautiful. Thank you Matthew Read and Crystal Read for all you and your ministry does and I sure enjoy our conversations.

I know this post is WAY overdue, between Christmas, Jeff and my appointments and life in general but thank you to all of you that support our mission to share love, hope and compassion on the streets and sure hope I haven't left anyone out.

Highlights from September

The Love Shack Compassion Ministry is getting ready for the changing of the seasons. As you are going through your closets preparing for cooler weather if you can keep us in mind for items listed below that we are currently accepting.

Winter/and or rain coats
Warm Boots
Sweat Pants
Winter clothing
Hoodies
Handwarmers
Gloves
Long Underwear
Tennis Shoes
Dog sweaters
Sleeping Bags
Fleece PJ bottoms for underneath clothing

If you have any items that you think we could use please reach out. As always all items need to be free of major rips/stains and clean so they can go straight from donated to handing out.