The Social Justice Council would like to thank all of the volunteers who have helped us on the 2nd Saturday of the month with The Giving Project!  It is such a rewarding experience.  Thank you also to everyone who has contributed items to the collection box in the Social Hall.  We use it all and it helps to defray the costs of buying these items.  If you would like to purchase these items a great place to find them are the Dollar Tree stores where every pkg is $1.  Razors come in packages of 10, soap comes 3 to a pack, toothpaste are single items, and you can buy toothbrushes in packages of 4 with plastic travel caps included.  This last month we distributed 400 razors, 175 bars of soap, 130 tubes of toothpaste and toothbrushes and 120 Kleenex packages. 
 
This project offers people who are homeless to meet up with social service agencies to sign up for services, and sometimes, housing.  It is also an opportunity for a hot meal, clothes, the toiletries, and other day to day needs.  Those that have relatives in other cities can receive a bus pass and a travel bag of food to get them there.  On-site medical assistance is available.  The help which is given is gratefully received. 
 
If you would like to give your time, energy, or donated items to people who are homeless, this is a great way to do it.  Please don't give from your vehicle or take food to those encamped along roads.  The Metro Police are trying to prevent panhandling and curtail the huge cost of cleanup around those campsites for the City.  If you cannot join us on the second Saturday, there are at least four soup kitchens that would appreciate any other time you can volunteer.
 
There is a sign-up sheet on the wall by the Giving Project collection box if you would like to volunteer to give out the items with us.  Location information is available one month in advance and will be listed on the sheet.  We provide shade, a table and chairs, so all you have to do is arrive, smile and help those that need it by giving them a small boost.  Thanks everyone!

Street Teens

Street Teens is one of the local organizations we partner with. We have a donation box in the social hall for needed items. We just took a box full over last week. Help us fill up the box again! Here are some needed items: 
Toothpaste  -  Deodorant (men and women)  -  Lotion  -  Disposable razors  -  Paper towels  -  Shampoo & Conditioner (regular size)  -  Toothbrushes  -  Bottled water  -  Sandwich size zip lock bags  -  Hotel sized body wash  -  Paper Plates  -  Large black trash bags  -  Laundry Detergent  -  Shaving Creams

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Family Promise at UUCLV

Our Social Justice Council partners with Family Promise three times per year to provide hospitality to up to four homeless families (up to 14 people) for one week each session. We provide food, activities, and overnight hosting.

Our next Family Promise Week will be August 6 - 13th, 2017, which is the week prior to Easter. There will be signup sheets in the Social hall beginning in March. Members may sign up for the opportunity to stay in the church overnight one night to host the families. All are welcome to bring breakfast and lunch foods, or to cook dinner and bring it to the families one evening. All are encouraged to spend time with the families or bring activities to share.