Poverty Task Group

This group addresses the issues of classism, needs of low income people, and disparities related to low income populations. Jesse Stratton is the group chair. The following project groups are related to the poverty task group.  A signup sheet is available in the Commons if you would like to help out.

Local Community Resources

Community Connections - scroll down the page and look for the latest Community Connections newsletter.

The Advocate - look for The Advocate under Family Support & Assistance.

Community Food Response

Participate in citywide second-harvest program that rescues excess food. Help by sorting or distributing prepared food to those in need. Ella VanLaningham, Coordinator.
( 2 ½ hr shift on 5th Mon., Wed., Fri. of each month)

Community Food Response, Inc., is a non-profit organization founded in 1993 to meet the growing need of families to have a supplemental source of food. This program focuses on "rescuing" food from hospitals, hotels, restaurants, schools, grocery stores and other resources, and getting this food into the hands of individuals and families that need it. All of the food has been prepared in licensed kitchens, but has not been needed. It would normally be disposed of at the end of the day. Drivers from CFR pick up the food in coolers and return it to our distribution site at the Bethel Lutheran Church. Other volunteers sort the food for distribution and a third group of volunteers distributes it to the clients.

Food is picked up five days per week, and distribution takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Most of the volunteers come from churches or service organizations.

Channel One

The Church maintains a collection barrel for Channel One, the community food shelf, which is kept in the coat room. Congregants are encouraged to pick up an extra item or two for Channel One when they shop and to bring their donation to church on Sundays. Although Channel One is most appreciative of cash donations, we feel it is also important to model charitable giving for our children.

The most requested items at the food shelf are hearty canned goods like tuna fish and beef stew, or Hamburger Helper and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Also in demand are all products that support children, such as diapers and formula. Paper goods such as toilet paper and facial tissue are great because they don't go bad.  Please don't bring expired or opened items, which just have to be thrown out anyway.

INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY (HOMELESS) NETWORK UU Principles In Action:                                                                                                      Affirming the Inherent Worth & Dignity of Every Person

...making a difference in the life of a Homeless family

IHN helps homeless families (with children under the age of 16) achieve and sustain their independence by providing them with food, shelter and time.  Families are given a chance to regroup and stabilize, getting back on their feet with dignity.                                                                                                                      .

We commit as a church to help 4 weeks each year on a rotation with 49 other faith communities.

Do we have Homeless children in Rochester, MN? Sadly, the correct answer is YES.  Over 558 children (253 under age 5) have received shelter in the last 10 years.

Interested in joining a UU social action opportunity to share time, conversation and/or food with homeless families? If so, then Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Rochester is for you.

The network operates 365 days a year and can house up to 14 people. Host churches put up families overnight in their church facilities for 1 week each quarter. Buddy churches supply volunteers. We serve as a Buddy Church for the UCC Congregational Host Church along with St. Pius. Opportunities for service include: AM and PM Van Drivers, Evening Hosts, Overnight Hosts and Evening Meals. Our volunteers range in age from 2 to 80 years. More information with detailed job descriptions is posted in the church commons.

Volunteer Requirements: attend an informational and sensitivity training about IHN and homelessness once every 3 years. Complete the necessary paperwork that includes a Background check and Behavior Policy sign off.

IHN 2012 UU-UCC-St. Pius February 19 - 26, 2012

Are you willing to help with the February 2012 week?

If so, please email or call February Coordinator:

Jeanne Hoecker    hoeckerlp@charter.net

home (507) 292-0452 cell (507) 269-3528

2012 training dates for new volunteers or current volunteers who need recerticfication

February 9-Thursday 6:30pm  Rochester Covenant 4950 31st Avenue NW

March 1 - Thursday 6:30 pm  Christ Lutheran Byron  201 Frontage Road NW

March 20 - Tuesday 6:30 pm  Bethel Lutheran  810 3rd Avenue NW

April 9   -  Monday  6:30 pm  Christ United Methodist  400 5th Avenue SW

More information about IHN and the Winter 2012 Newsletter is available at:  www.ihn-greater-rochester.org

Saturday Noon Meals Project

This group coordinates volunteers to cook and serve meals to the homeless and other needy peole at Christ United Methodist Church.  This is a new program aiming to provide volunteers four times per year.

Roxanne Schlasner, Coordinator