To serve the homeless... or to end homelessness...? That is the question.

I had the privilege to hear Richard Harris, Executive Director of Central City Concern (www.centralcityconcern.org) speak last week in Kelowna.

And how brilliantly exciting it was to see, a living model of a community, uniting together to fight the epidemic of homelessness. To see the attainable results when politicians, architects, business people, homeless advocates working as One -to see people off the streets -living fruitful, productive and fulfilled lives (with a roof over their head, to call their own)

Their success story is undeniable. in just two years (of a ten year plan), they've reduced the number of homeless from 2355 to 1438 and the chronically homeless from 1284 to 386.

So it makes you think. Do we want to continue to serve the homeless... or end homelessness?
Seems like it should be a simple choice doesn't it?

All the Makings of Celebrity (minus the Millions of dollars of course...)

http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_1037.php

http://www.chbc.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13957

So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
-Hebrews 13:6

What a week it's been at the Mission! Say what you will, but things are never dull for a second.
I'm amazed at how people have stepped up, waving the banner of Christ in defence of us.
The Prayer Session, led by Rick Corak and organized by Judy Trouiller our newest Outreach Worker. The countless emails and calls, complete strangers coming up to me (even in Kelowna!) with encouragements about the 'great job' that we're doing. And last, but not least -the amazing efforts of our 'Risk Management Committee.' (Mike Buffie, Ed Wooley and Terri Jones)
Three members of our community that have volunteered their time to bring awareness to all the positive things that are going on around the Mission and there are truly SO many positive things that are happening! It is our hope to bring attention to these all these praise reports through this blog and our website (coming soon!)

The latest news:

**The Mission will be closed on the weekends. This will allow us to be a full staff of four, 5 days a week. No Loitering will be strictly enforced during Mission hours
**The Mission will operate as drop in centre in the mornings, but for the afternoon our guests will either need to be in a program (Monday -Literacy/Life Skills, Tuesday -Change for Life -NA/AA meetings, Wednesday -Guest Newsletter/Literacy, Thursday -Sewing and Crafts, Friday -Alpha Course)
**Proper registration with photos will be mandatory for all guests of the Mission

To the credit of our guests, Registration went as well as we could have ever hoped.
So we move forward with anticipation to a new week, a new beginning for the Mission and the continued hope to see lives changed, and more and more people brought to Jesus.

What Would Jesus Do at the Upper Room Mission?

In 2006, the Mission responded to the request of the community for a “Drop In Center”. We now function as such, and have increased our Ministry staff to include an Assistant Manager and two Outreach Workers. We serve three meals a day and are open 7 days a week 7:30 am – 5:00 pm. We are establishing day programs, including literacy, life skills, Bible Studies, etc. Many new volunteers have come forward to help since November when we extended our hours. Now, with the recent influx of drug users and dealers, there is some pressure to cut back our services. We are working on proactive initiatives to eliminate the drug use at the Mission, and in the meantime, need people who can give an hour or more on a regular basis to walk the property, pray, and alert the staff of loitering. We are open to ideas and suggestions as to how to best serve the hurting and broken in our society, while maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all. Your contribution will mean lives being influenced for eternity. You can reach Andrew Yeo, Manager, at 549-1231 or email him at urm@shaw.ca to volunteer at the Mission, or to contribute your ideas.


Manager's Notes:

"Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." John 15:20

We at the Mission stand united and undeterred.
Our Board, Staff and Volunteers, in the face of criticism and any roadblocks the enemy would throw in our path; soldier on armed with the Holy Spirit. The vision of Life Change for our guests, for the lost, hurting and needy in our community, remains the same. We recognize and understand that the problem of drugs in Vernon, is just that -a community and societal problem and not a 'Mission problem' alone.
Our hope is to continue to work with the RCMP and others who would seek a solution to this truly 'epidemic' societal problem.
Our Mission is to do the Lord's work, feeding the hungry, giving shelter and counsel to the hurting, providing hope for the hopeless.