Homeless Awareness 2017

Homeless Awareness 2017

November is a time when families traditionally come together to share the joys of home. However, here in Northeast Louisiana, more of our homeless are families (58.9%) than elsewhere in the state or U.S. Join us in November for more facts about homeless families and what you can do to help – or to find help. We’ll also let you know about upcoming awareness events throughout the area and state.

 

Upcoming Events

Homeless and Hungry Symposium
Elisha Ministries, INC.
NOVEMBER 9, 2017 @ 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Lincoln Parish Library Community Room
Elisha Ministries will host a Luncheon Symposium on Homelessness and Hunger on Thursday, November 9, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Lincoln Parish Library Community Room. Registration is required, and donations are only $10:00.
Click here for more information.

Annual Bountiful Bags with Turkey Donations 
Elisha Ministries, INC.
OCTOBER 25, 2017 – November 15, 2017
The Annual Bountiful Bags with Turkey donations will commence on. You can donate funds for the bountiful bags or donate can goods and other non-perishable food items. If you desire to donate, you can stop by the office of Elisha Ministries at 608 South Trenton St. Ruston, LA or donate online at www.elishmnistriesnela.org or mail to 608 South Trenton St. Ruston.
Click here for more information.

Veteran’s Day Parade
NOVEMBER 11, 2017
The Wellspring Supportive Services for Veterans Families program will march starting at 10:30 am with groups throughout the community to honor Veterans. More Info

Veterans Day Events at Chennault Museum
NOVEMBER 11, 2017
3:00pm – 5:00pm
The Wellspring Supportive Services for Veterans Families program will host a booth 3 pm to 5 pm providing information about help for homeless Vets and Vet families.  For more information click here

Elisha Ministries, Inc. 14th Year Anniversary Celebration,
NOVEMBER 17, 2017 @ 6:30 p.m.
Trinity United Methodist Fellowship Hall, 1000 Woodard Ave, Ruston, LA.
Guest Speaker, Bishop Shaun Cooper, New Creation Church and CEO, Family Resources for Education and Empowerment, Inc. Christian / Gospel Artist. The event is free with invitation. Call (318) 251-1233 for more information.

Desiard Street Shelter Open House
NOVEMBER 18th
2:00pm-4:00pm
Desiard St. Shelter will host an open house 2 pm to 4 pm at 807 DeSiard Street, Monroe, LA, to raise awareness of area homelessness and DSS’s expanded services for those in need. For more information click here or on Facebook 

The Wellspring’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
NOVEMBER 28th, 2017
Beginning at 5pm
Take part in this annual family event hosted in Winnsboro by The Wellspring. The community celebrates starting at 5 pm with food, music, and more to kick off the holidays with the official lighting of the community Christmas tree in Winnsboro’s Patriot Square (on Hwy. 15). More info by calling (318) 412-0226.

Elisha Ministries Open House
DECEMBER 12, 2017
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Stop for Eats and Treats!!! EM office is located at 608 South Trenton St. Ruston, LA.

 

How you can help

DONATE ITEMS TO HELP SERVE THE HOMELESS
Christmas gifts for families served by The Wellspring’s domestic violence shelter and other programs: Donate new toys and other items suitable for gifts for children and families. Donations may be delivered to The Wellspring at 1515 Jackson Street no later than December 13. More info by calling Kristen Lairmore at (318) 651-9314.

Adopt a family to brighten their holidays!
Rural families impacted by domestic violence can be “adopted” to receive donated new items suitable for children and families in time for Christmas. More info by calling (318) 412-0226 (Winnsboro) or (318) 281-3655

Help a family get a fresh start with donated new or gently used household items!
LOUISIANA BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME needs practical items (Click for List)
Click here for more information  

THE WELLSPRING needs items for families exiting homelessness into permanent housing. Items needed are listed below. More info by calling (318) 651-9314.
Bedding: Sheets, pillows, bedspread/comforters and more
Kitchen items: Dishes, pots and pans, silverware, glasses, toaster, can opener and more
Bath items: Towels, shower curtains and more
Household items: Curtains, pictures, decorations, clocks, irons, ironing boards, lamps and furniture (beds, mattresses, chest of drawers, tables, chairs and more)
Children’s items: Car seats, strollers, school supplies and uniforms
Cell phones
Drop off donations at 1515 Jackson Street in Monroe, LA, Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. More info by calling (318) 651-9314.

Emergency food supplies are needed by The Wellspring for homeless encountered by street outreach staff. Donations are needed of peanut butter crackers, granola bars, pop top cans, bottle of water, apple sauce, and similar small, nonperishable food items. These can be supplied in bulk or separated into individual food packs with an assortment of items, in gallon-sized ziplock bags with a plastic fork/spoon wrapped in a napkin. Items should be delivered to 400 Hart Street, Monroe, LA, Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.  More info by calling (318) 807-6200.

Monroe Area Guidance Center needs donations to serve vulnerable men and women be housed in emergency and permanent housing programs. Items needed are bed linens (twin sheets, pillows, blankets), socks, hats/caps, gloves, belts (male), wash cloths,  bath towels, laundry/dish detergent, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, arts and crafts (board games, art supplies, cards), and coffee mugs. Food items and coffee also welcome. Call (318) 343-9200 for information about delivery.

 

Save the Date

Cardboard Box City
JANUARY 19th, 2018
The Wellspring and the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana will host this event to raise awareness of the trauma of homelessness in our area. First United Methodist Church of Monroe, LA, on Loop Rd. More info available by calling (318) 807-6200.

Point in Time Count
JANUARY 22, 2018
The HOME Coalition and area homeless services providers will partner to conduct this annual survey of homeless persons and their needs. Volunteers and donations welcome to make the event a success! More info by emailing homecoalition@gmail.com