7 months ago
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It's hard to imagine men, women and children are sleeping outside in the bitter cold with just the clothing on their backs. As temperatures in the state get down to the 20's ands 30's the Union Rescue Mission volunteers are out in full force.
Justin Mendez says, "We go out into the commnity and hit all the homeless hot spots passing out coffee, blankets, gloves and coats."
Mendez is the director of men's ministries for the homeless and work program. He says Operation Rescue is a way to get involved and build relationships with the homeless, but also a teaching tool for men currently in the rehab program.
"It's a very good learning tool we use to number one open up their eyes to their possible future if they get off track here and number two it starts to give them a sense of having a servants heart," Mendez adds.
As soon as we park the bare streets are filled with folks in need, some just wearing t-shirts and others asking to get in the van with us. Mendez explains, "We never turn anyone away. We'll sleep people in our chapel. We had last winter up to 120 people in our facility on any given cold night."
The Union Rescue Mission is also in need of warm clothing for women and children. Mendez says, "With the economy in the situation it is in right now, foreclosures up. There are a lot more women and children and families living on the streets."
No questions are asked, but every thank you gives these volunteers a reason to keep bracing the elements to ensure warmth for people in need.
"The streets in December and January are just no place for a person to be," Mendez concludes.
Volunteers planned to pass out coats and blankets for four-hours, but in 30-minutes we ran out of supplies for the night.
To learn how you can help there is a list of drop off locations below:
Last year, approximately 1200 coats were distributed to the homeless population of Central Arkansas. Three drop off locations have been arranged for convenience to anyone interested in donating; the Union Rescue Mission, Indian Hills Church, and River of Life Worship Center will be ready to receive coat donations immediately. The Coat drive will run through the month of February.
Donation Stations:
Pleasant Valley Church of Christ
10900 N. Rodney Parham
Little Rock, AR 72216
Union Rescue Mission - Men's Center
2921 Confederate Blvd.
Little Rock, AR 72212
Hours of Operation for both locations:
8:00-5:00 M-TH
8:00-4:00 F
Indian Hills Church
6801 JFK Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR 72116
River of Life Worship Center
5919 Baseline Rd.
Little Rock, AR 72209
Hours of Operation for both locations:
9:00- 4:00 M-TH
8:30- 12:30 Sun.;
6:00- 7:45 W;
10:00-noon Sat.
Financial donations can be mailed to: Union Rescue Mission, Attn: Men's Coats, P.O. Box 164057, Little Rock, AR 72216 or online at www.urmission.org.
Union Rescue Mission helps the victims of domestic violence and the homeless regain their dignity and self-esteem with programs and spiritual guidance to offer hope for the future. URM and Dorcas House, a ministry of the URM, provide counseling, and crisis intervention to their clients- allowing the support needed to rebuild their lives, as well as emergency services such as food, shelter, clothing, transportation to medical and legal appointments. For more information about the Union Rescue Mission and its programs, you can log on to www.urmission.org.
