1.         What is the H.E.L.P. ministry?

The H.E.L.P. ministry is a means of directly interacting with the homeless people of Atlanta and providing them comfort through food, water, toiletries, communication and prayer.

2.         What is meant by “direct interaction” and “communication”?

            Aid is provided directly to the homeless and not through an agency.  Grace volunteers distribute food packs, bottled water, reading glasses, reading material, Bibles, socks, toiletry kits, blankets, etc. to the homeless.  While giving tangible aid, we also take their prayer requests, pray with them and give them the opportunity to share the Good Word.

3.         How often do the H.E.L.P. volunteers go out and share with our brethren?

            Typically, the H.E.L.P. volunteers go out once every 4 – 6 weeks as a group, depending upon the donations we receive and our individual schedules.   Volunteers meet at the church on a Saturday morning (usually at 9 am), load up the donations and caravan to a parking lot near the Georgia state capital where those we serve, congregate.   Usually, sometime during the week before a H.E.L.P. ministry outing, volunteers meet at the church to prepare individual food and toiletry packs to hand out and plan for the actual ministry.  Watch for announcements of which Saturdays we will go out and when we will make our preparations for our H.E.L.P. outings.

4.         Is it safe?

            Absolutely, with God guiding us, who is going to mess with us?  Actually, the people being served are extremely nice, well-behaved and most sincerely appreciative of those who volunteer.

5.         How can I help?

            There are a number of ways you can help:

a.         Donations – cash, check, bottled water, gallon size Ziploc storage bags, Vienna sausage (cans only, not individual sausages), snack crackers (individual packs of 6; either cheese or peanut butter), individually wrapped granola bars, canned fruit snack packs, plastic spoons, individually wrapped toothbrushes, soaps, packs of handi wipes, small bottles of hand sanitizer, disposable razors, reading glasses, socks are always needed.  During the winter, gloves, scarves, blankets, stocking caps, are also collected and distributed (look for announcements as to when these items will be needed).  In the spring, we may also request rain ponchos to keep them dry.

            Because there isn’t a whole lot of space to store the donations, we ask that only the specific clothing items requested above be donated. 

b.         Volunteer – If you’re a little bit unsure of what you’re getting yourself into, meet with us during our preparation/planning time before a H.E.L.P. ministry outing.  We put the cans of Vienna sausages, crackers, granola bars, etc. into individual storage bags to hand out.  We also assemble the toothbrushes, wipes, soaps, etc. into individual toiletry bags.  You will have the opportunity to get to meet the other volunteers as well as providing assistance.

            If the H.E.L.P. ministry sounds like something you’d like to explore, join us on a Saturday morning at the church and head out with us.  Once we get to the parking lot, we will need people to hand out the individual snack and toiletry packs, as well as others to take the prayer requests. Whether you distribute or take prayer requests is up to you.  If you’re shy or reserved, that’s okay, it doesn’t take much to offer up a “God Bless You”, “Good Morning”, “I’ve never seen a tattoo like that before” or “My what a colorful hat you’re wearing today” to those you meet.   In addition to the packs we distribute, we’re also bringing respect and dignity to those with whom we may interact.

c.         Pray – After each H.E.L.P. ministry, a list of the prayer requests is compiled and distributed to the congregation.  Take 1, 2, or more prayer requests each day and offer a prayer on the behalf of the individuals listed.

6.         What else should I know?

            Because the packs and supplies are packed and assembled sometime before a H.E.L.P. ministry, it is preferable to make any donations before the actual day of the H.E.L.P. outing.

            Please make sure that any donated foods do NOT require refrigeration, heating up, or a can opener.

            After a H.E.L.P. ministry outing, we caravan back to the church and revisit the morning’s experiences.  We are usually through by 11 am.

7.         Who should I contact for more information?

             Contact either Steve or Laura Weldon for more information on H.E.L.P.