HJH Update
As winter, such as it has been, winds down our thoughts turn to spring, Easter, and renewal of all things. As the season of renewal arrives, we want to update you on a change coming to the homeless ministry at Hope for the Journey Home.
St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi and Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Oakdale, have worked in partnership to shelter families in transition, through the Hope for the Journey Home ministry. Over the past 11 years our collaboration has assisted 253 families in Washington County and rural Ramsey County transition to stable housing.
While homelessness remains a major issue in our communities, how to address the need has changed requiring new approaches and new programs. Last fall, the Community Resource Center “CRC” at St. Andrew’s determined there was a need for a review of the family shelter programs to determine how to best address homelessness in the current environment. As a result, CRC is charting a new course and will not have the resources to provide the intake and case management services necessary for Hope for the Journey Home to continue its mission. This resulted in the difficult decision to end the formal relationship between Guardian Angels and St. Andrew’s. We value our partnership with St. Andrew’s and will continue to support each other in serving our community into the future.
When the final guests have found stable housing, another success to celebrate, Hope for the Journey Home will suspend shelter operations as we, in collaboration with our partners, explore new options and opportunities to serve those in need.
Guardian Angels is grateful for the support of the many congregations who have partnered with us, the community and business partners who support the ministry, the numerous volunteers without whom the shelter could not operate and the generous donors who make Hope for the Journey Home possible. We look forward to continuing our collaborations and receiving your input as we identify a new course for Hope for the Journey Home.
Your prayers for all of the congregations, their leaders, the volunteers who make this ministry a success, and especially those we serve, will be greatly appreciated as we, with our partners, discern new opportunities and work through the changes ahead.
Thank you, May God bless you and Best wishes for a blessed Lent and Easter season.
Fr. Joseph Connelly, Pastor
Guardian Angels Catholic Church