ABOUT THIS MINISTRY
Ministry Lead
The lead for this ministry works for the St. Vincent de Paul Society for Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Parish in Claremont, CA. Previously, she worked for the St Vincent de Paul food pantry located at the Holy Name of Mary (HNM) Parish in La Verne/ San Dimas, CA. This ministry is separate from St. Vincent de Paul, but answers a critical need that was uncovered while working at the HNM St. Vincent de Paul food pantry and clothing distribution site.
Mission
Provide at least:
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one and a half day's worth of non-perishable food
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clean undergarments, coats and warm blankets (as long as supplies last)
to the Homeless as they are encountered during our search for them throughout Claremont and Pomona.
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For those residing in South Pomona who can make it to a distribution site, provide them with a warm breakfast.
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Problem
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Homeless from Claremont near the train station and those residing throughout many stretches of Pomona cannot easily get to a food distribution site (they are many miles away). Thus, they wait until they are desperate before they show up for food at a food pantry. By the time they make it to a pantry, they are extremely hungry and in great need of nourishment.
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In addition, the ability for a homeless person to obtain clean undergarments, and a warm blanket is extremely limited. This poses a serious health problem. They have no money to pay for these items.
Vision
God did not intend for individuals to starve in our local community, which has the resources to provide a hand-out. Faith without works is worthless.
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Because of funding limitations, we cannot assist all the homeless we encounter, but we do the best we can. I believe our efforts satisfies Jesus' request that we take care of the poor, and there is no one poorer than the homeless. Homelessness is often caused by circumstances outside the control of most individuals.