Partners in Ministry is a collaboration of seven churches and three nonprofit groups working together to serve homeless people in the Heartside District, opening a joint day center last fall as a critical winter lifeline.
“It's not just a hot meal or a warming space, but it's also a place where they can connect with Catherine's Health Center, with the 61st District Court, with Cherry Health.”
Thelma Ensink, Executive Director of Degage Ministries, says the first year was a huge success.
“We served over 1000 unique individuals at the community and service center at Westminster this past winter, so we're really proud as a community to have been that space."
Leaders expect to reopen in November at the current site while planning to expand the following year.
“We're looking to find a permanent site, and so LaGrave Church is talking about renovating a couple of spaces on their campus to maybe become the permanent home for the community and service center.”
It will offer comprehensive services including basic needs, healthcare and housing assistance.
Ensink says the collaboration meets urgent needs more effectively than any single organization could alone.
“We're looking forward to the fall and would love more partners to connect with us, more nonprofits, more service providers, more churches to join in the work. Many hands make lighter work.”
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