Hey Christ Community Church!
I want to take this opportunity to share some of the great work we are doing to serve Clare House.
For those that don't know, Clare House is an emergency shelter for women and children. We have been assisting this organization for several years now by providing a meal on the first Friday of every month. Initially, members of the C3AK community signed up to provide an aspect of the meal (entree, salad, vegetable, fruit, bread, milk, dessert). The courses would be delivered to the church on Thursday nights, and then delivered by the coordinator. During this time, we were regularly providing a meal to feed anywhere from 60-80 women and their children.
Over time, particularly as COVID struck, our contribution transitioned to financial support.
Utilizing donations, the coordinator would shop for the meal and deliver it. It no longer had that homemade feel, but it was serving people in need. Also during this time, due to COVID policy, Clare House's residency numbers dropped by half.
At this point, I want to provide some insight from a recent site visit by elder, and current coordinator, Diana Williams...
The women and children we provide the monthly meal for are housed on the first floor of the facility. There are 20+ rooms, and they now only house one family per room. Pre-Covid they would put 2 or 3 families in a room, but now they only allow one family per room, which is why the head count is so much lower now than it has been in the past.
The second floor is transitional housing. (I think she said there are 50 rooms upstairs, but I’m not sure about that.) The families staying there have to pay rent on a sliding scale and have to perform chores. There is a common kitchen they use to prepare their own meals. They are allowed to stay for up to a year, but most are only there for a couple of months. Catholic Social Services has several programs that help the moms with finding work, childcare, and housing.
When a family moves in, they receive a large plastic tote with bedding and supplies they will need for their stay, and they get to keep all the items (including the tote) when they move out. Therefore, there is a regular need for new bedding and linens (and large totes). Kelly recommended we look at their wish list online to have a better idea of things we can donate: Clare House Wish List - Catholic Social Services - Alaska (cssalaska.org)
Evening meals are provided by churches and individuals (365 days a year!). If there are leftovers, they can be used for lunches. They also have a pantry stocked with snacks and items that can be used for lunches (peanut butter and jelly, soups, crackers, etc.), and they gladly accept those donations as well.
In the summer they have grills we are free to use, so while Grace Works has need of the kitchen, we could switch to hamburgers and hot dogs for the summer meals. That would also be a good opportunity to interact with some of the residents.
Additionally, Kelly told us about clothing donations. She said if we take our donations to Fashion Pact (downtown, at 575 Ingra), and if we tell them that they’re for Catholic Social Services, their clients can get vouchers to shop for items they need.
As you can see, C3AK is providing critical ministry to those most in need of it. So, how can you help? I'm so glad you asked.
1) Take a look at the attached Clare House wish list
2) When spring cleaning time comes, take the extra step of taking those donation clothes down to Fashion Pact at 575 Ingra.
3) A group, led by Diana Williams, has transitioned from frozen food to homemade fare. Even better, this group comes together to make the meal as a group. They meet at 4PM the Friday before our meal is due. The current menu consists of chicken enchiladas, Spanish rice, and dessert. They have a pretty streamlined system, but there's always room for another cook.
4) Finally, make a final donation to support the Clare House meal when you are able. Write "Clare House" on the memo line of a check or on the white offering envelope.
Clare House. Just one of the ways Christ Community Church continues to fulfill its mission of loving God and loving people.
Think about it.
Pastor Jason