Outreach

First Quarter Outreach Project (January - March): Repairers of the Breach.
We all remember the sudden and harsh cold snap last winter. Our All Saints' congregation responded mightily in providing may loads of warm new and used clothing for Repairers of the Breach. This organization is the only homeless shelter open during the day and receives no government funding, by choice. The Chapter has approved the Outreach Committee's choice of Repairers of the Breach as our First Quarter Project in 2008. In addition to collecting adult clothing (especially men's), we will be soliciting cash donations. Checks should be made out to All Saints', with "Repairers" noted on the memo.

Second Quarter Outreach Project (April - June): Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative.
The Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative was created in May 2006 as a response to the devastation created by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Seventy percent of housing was declared uninhabitable and hundreds of thousands of New Orleans' citizens were displaced. The project was established by a partnership between the Diocese of Louisiana and Episcopal Relief and development (which provided over $20 million in start up funds and planned financial expertise). Offices are in Christ Church Cathedral, New Orleans.

The primary purposes of the initiative are to (1) obtain land, (2) ensure quality construction, (3) provide access to quality home buyer training, (4) work with community residents and institutions to support a community based approach to redevelopment, (5) establish organizational longevity through fund raising, and (6) sell affordable housing. The latest information we have (which may be outdated) is that 41 lots were acquired and 19 houses have been constructed. The national meeting of cathedral deans will be held in New Orleans in April, and Dean Raasch expects to bring back more information for us.

Third Quarter Outreach Project (July - September): Kathy's House is a "Home Away form Home" for patients, families and caregivers during stays in the Milwaukee area for medical reasons. The facility has 18 comfortable guest rooms with private baths, telephone, and television. In addition, there is a communal kitchen, dining room, laundry facility, library, ad computer center. Guest find this a warm and supportive environment. Do take a look at their web site www.kathys-house.org. The Outreach Committee has a basket in the Build Hall for collecting the most needed items on the Kathy House "Wish List":

Cleaning products, especially Febreeze and 409 (No Windex or Paper Towels -they have truckloads")
Coffee and Creamer
Used Cell Phones
Consumable Office Supplies
Trash Bags (tall kitchen/55 gal.)
Financial donations for Gas & food Cards (Make checks payable to All Saints' and note "Kathy's House")