Missions & Outreach Blog

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Spotlight on Birmingham Hospitality Network

Sep. 23, 2007 Dave Barnhart

BHN is a network of churches, synagogues, civic and community organizations that provide help to homeless families in Birmingham. It is estimated that as many as 1/3 of the homeless in Birmingham are families. Host churches or congregations assist homeless families by providing shelter and food until they can find affordable housing and employment. Trinity has been a part of BHM since its inception in 1998 and currently participates with 13 other host congregations in Birmingham to provide overnight lodging and meals for guests for a week each quarter.

Trinity accommodates up to 14 parents and children during this week. During this week, volunteers prepare beds for the families, serve breakfast, prepare dinner, serve as the church hosts for the families during these meals, serve as overnight hosts each night during the week, return the rooms to their original organization at the end of the week for Sunday School, and wash linens at the end of the week so that clean linens will be available for families during the next rotation. Volunteers who have worked with families regularly over the years have found that the families seem to feel comfortable and welcome at Trinity because of the warmth they have found expressed by Trinity volunteers. The gymnasium has been especially welcomed by children in the families during their stay and the families appreciate having the washer and dryer that the church provides for laundering their clothes. 

Volunteers are always needed. If you are interested in working with other volunteers, please contact the church office at 879-1737, or speak to Mark Grauel or Laura McCain. Volunteers are also need during the Christmas holidays for the gift wrapping booth at Brookwood Mall. All proceeds support BHN.

Gleaning Blueberries

Jun. 16, 2007 Dave Barnhart

On Saturday, June 16, the van will be leaving the parking lot at 8:00 AM to go to Tuscaloosa. There we will pick blueberries which will go to stock food pantries and homeless shelters. Since it will be HOT, we will quit around noon. Bring a sack lunch and some drinks, some sunscreen and a hat! If you have a good blueberry-pickin’ pail, that would be a good thing to bring as well.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dave Barnhart at the church office: 879-1737

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