Helping our homeless siblings

​by Susan Duran, CGS Council Member

Did you know that the homeless resident population in San Jose is now over 6,000? With some of the highest housing costs in the entire United States, many people living in our city, especially those with low paying service jobs are at great risk of living on the street. (The Mercury News, May 16, 2019)

Yes, I know there are many reasons for homelessness besides low income including: astronomical rental prices, mental illness, alcohol and drug abuse, discrimination, poverty, and loss of employment. But aren't we called to help others less fortunate than ourselves? Romans 12:13 says “Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.”

While we can't solve the problem of homelessness, we can take part in the solution. One of the ways we assist others is by contributing personal hygiene products. Thank you all for your ongoing and generous support of the homeless in our community by giving personal care products so that Encompass Ministries can distribute the supplies to our siblings living on the margins of society. “How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?” 1 John 3:17

Did you know CGS is in the process of helping some of the homeless in our city by participating in the Safe Car Park Program? Our church will be partnering with 10 or more other groups locally to develop a rotating Safe Car Park. The objective is to start hosting people next year with the sites each hosting for several months of the year. Stay tuned for more information on this vital program.

Thank you for saying yes when help is needed.
For more ways to help others in our community go to:

• Second Harvest Food Bank
• Martha's Kitchen

For more information on Encompass Ministries and how you can help go to encompassministry.org or call Pastor Jim Clark-Moore at (408) 761-2062.

Don't forget about our own church helping Rise Against Hunger on Saturday, September 7th starting at 10AM. We will be packaging meals for hungry people around the world. I hope to see you there!