ESP homeless sheltering at LCR

December 4-10, 2006

BLOG ENTRY - DECEMBER 5, 2006:
Our ESP hosting week has started off well. We had six men last night who all ate well (courtesy of Debra Still's contribution of ziti, garlic bread, and salad) and were very happy to come in from the cold. The men also each received a "welcome packet" of a new undershirt, pair of underwear, and socks in addition to a new comfortable pillow. One of the men commented: "This is, like, a genuine delight. I'll actually sleep well tonight. This has made my night!" Blessings and thanks to Debra Still, Stephanie Scott, Pam Masih, Lisa Soja, and many other people who came forward to make contributions to this ESP night.

BLOG ENTRY - DECEMBER 6, 2006:
We continue hosting six men in the ESP program. Last night Monica Gibbs was our overnight host yesterday and our guests enjoyed another Italian meal courtesy of Helga Codino (thanks Monica & Helga!) The breakfast bags continue work well as the men are able to take some healthy food (eggs, fruit, etc.) with them for their day out in the cold. We continue to do what we can to make the men comfortable. Monica commented about how pleasant and respectful the men were: "They couldn't have been nicer," she said. "I don't know what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised at how nice and, just normal everyone was--just regular guys. I told my kids that these people could be us--just people going through a hard time. I found that with minimum effort on my part I got such a great reward. They left happy and that made me feel really good."

BLOG ENTRY - DECEMBER 7, 2006:
Paroo Streich helped host five men last night. Everyone enjoyed the BBQ chicken, but lots of leftovers. We wrapped up the remaining chicken to be taken cold in the breakfast bags in the morning.

BLOG ENTRY - DECEMBER 8, 2006:
Joshua Horner stayed overnight for last night's ESP, although he had to go to school this morning (thank Josh!) It's important that jr. high and high schoolers know that they can make a valuable contribution to the program by hosting with a parent or by themselves (if age and experience-appropriate...Josh has hosted with his Dad, Pastor Jack Horner, on several occasions in the past.) Teens can earn community service hours by helping out and the "life experience" earned is invaluable. Josh reported about six men who all ate and slept comfortably. Thanks to Sylvia Bruschi for providing chili, bread and salad for dinner.

BLOG ENTRY - DECEMBER 9, 2006:
Laura Atwell provided last night's meal of ham with macs 'n' cheese and Linda Horner stayed overnight (thank you both!) Numbers holding steady around six men.

BLOG ENTRY - DECEMBER 10, 2006:
Paul Salvatore and his daughter Collette hosted last night, making a nice meal of much of the leftovers in our LCR fridge and adding fresh salad. Paul reported that the number of guests had jumped to eight men.

BLOG ENTRY - DECEMBER 11, 2006:
After accessing the fridge on Sunday morning, we discovered that their probably wasn't enough leftover food to warrant a decent meal for Sunday night. We decided to use some of our homeless ministry funds to purchase pizzas for the men. David Leaver picked up the food and hosted four men last night, adding a fresh salad to the meal.

I want to thank EVERYONE pitched in with their support to make our hosting week successful. You are all a blessing to our community and a source of pride for our congregation. Peace and joy of the Christmas season to you all!

Paroo Streich, ESP coordinator

December 2006 ESP volunteers (Many thanks!)
Monday, Dec. 4: Debra Still (Ziti, bread, salad), Paroo Streich (overnight)
Tuesday, Dec. 5: Helga Codino (Lasagna, bread, salad), Monica Gibbs (overnight)
Wednesday, Dec. 6: Paroo Streich (Chicken, potatoes, salad), Paroo Streich (overnight)
Thursday, Dec. 7: Sylvia Bruschi (Chili, bread, salad), Joshua Horner (overnight)
Friday, Dec. 8: Laura Atwell (Ham & macs), Linda Horner (overnight)
Saturday, Dec. 9: (Leftovers), Paul & Collette Salvatore (overnight)
Sunday, Dec. 10: (Pizza, salad), David Leaver (overnight)