Many people have been asking us about what we need, what they can donate, and what donation drives they can organize for us. Below is a list of things we are always in need of. We hope this list also lends itself to successful drives that one can organize at their school, congregation, workplace, or local community.

• adult socks, underwear, and undershirts
• thermal undershirts and pants, hats, gloves, and scarves
• washcloths, towels
• toothpaste and shaving cream
• paper, pens
• yarn – multiple skeins of the same color/type, preferably
• crochet hooks, knitting needles
• books
• $5-$10 gift cards to Subway, Starbucks, Safeway, etc.

Donations can be dropped off at Georgetown Ministry Center between 8am and 5pm any day of the week. Questions? Please call us at 202-338-8301. Thanks!

I once overheard someone on M Street in Georgetown remarking to her friend, “Georgetown would be so much prettier without all these bums on the street. Why can’t they just go somewhere else?”

This comment, while infuriating, is also an understandable one. After all, if it’s out of your backyard, it becomes someone else’s problem, right? (FALSE!)

That is how some NYC residents near Lexington Ave and 125th Street feel about their neighborhood where there is a bus stop that connects to Wards Island, “which is home to four large homeless shelters for single men, with a total population of over 1,000 people.” (source) Residents have written to MTA to try and move the bus stop several blocks away, even though the current bus stop is connected to three subway lines and three other bus lines.

Shipping the homeless elsewhere and passing laws that make being homeless difficult does not actually address the problem of homelessness. Instead of trying to cover up the problem or passing it on to someone else, we should strive to tackle it head on and address the real root of the issue.

In August, we got Judy signed her lease. In September, Doug got the keys to his own place. Now, in October, we can add Mike to the list of GMC guests we helped find housing.

Today, after a long wait, Mike finally has keys to his apartment, just in time for winter.

Mike is one of our superstar members. Quiet, and observant, Mike often ran the sign up list for our computer lab and helped staff clean the center. He is one of our best chess players and is also super smart; during a trivia contest in the center, he knew the answer to almost every question.

Roy, GMC’s Outreach Director and Case Manager, helped Doug and Mike obtain housing through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program. Judy and Doug have popped back into the center to say hello, and both of them look happy and healthy. Mike has promised to come back and say hello, and we can’t wait to hear how he is doing.

Come spend a crisp fall afternoon doing yoga to help the homeless!

YOGA FOR THE HOMELESS

As part of Fannie Mae’s Help the Homeless campaign, Georgetown Ministry Center will be holding a yogathon to raise awareness about homelessness and to provide a fun and active way to support the good work that they do.

The first yoga session will begin at 1PM on the lawn of Grace Church and will be instructed by yoga teachers from the local area. (More details to come.) Each session will be 45 minutes long and will start on the hour (1pm, 2pm, 3pm)

Mats will be provided, but participants are more than welcome to bring their own. There will be multiple sessions throughout this three-hour period and participants are welcome to come and go as they please. Come enjoy a beautiful fall day in October on the lawn of Grace Church at 1041 Wisconsin Ave, NW. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved from the lawn to inside the church.

How to Register

On the Help the Homeless website or via Recoup or come with a check the day of!

Details

What: Yoga for the Homeless, as part of GMC’s Help the Homeless fundraiser. The registration fee for participants 26+ years old is $30, and $20 for those 25 years and under.

Who: This event is open to everyone of all ages and abilities

When: Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 1pm – 4pm

Why: To raise awareness about homelessness, support GMC and the good work they do with the homeless, and to get some exercise!

Where: Get directions here.

Brrr! Fall is definitely here. It seems like everyone was basking in the warm sun wearing shorts and t-shirts one day, and the next everyone has broken out the sweaters and boots from storage…

…everyone except for those who have no storage. It may not be hypothermia season yet, but it is chilly at night and our guests are cold. Can you please help our guests layer up? They could use some SOCKS and SWEATERS. It’s no longer sandal season, and our guests often layer many pairs of socks to keep their feet warm and stave off frostbite at night. Sweaters will help our guests stay warm and change with season.

Thank you in advance for all of your help and support!