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By Lynn Retzlaff - DOTR eNeighborhood Editor
It was a mere two years ago when a group of Christians prayed together and asked God what He would have them do to serve Him. The answer was heard and a plan was made. Within a few short months
G.I.F.T.S. (God Is Faithful Temporary Shelter) men’s shelter went from an aspiration to an actualization.
The shelter is uniquely run by a collaboration of 27 churches of mixed denomination. Fifteen churches have space large enough to hold the equipment of one portable shower and twenty-five portable beds. Each of these “host” churches commits to running the shelter for two weeks of the season.
The remaining churches may lack space but they are certainly not lacking in spirit. Acting as assistant churches they are matched up with a host church where members volunteer their time.
Paul Benish of M&I Bank is on the Board of Directors. When I recently asked him how it was possible to organize such a large infrastructure, he explained that it was really quite simple. The board meets once a month to provide guidance to the church site coordinators. Each church coordinator brings back instruction and news to share with their congregation. Parishioners are then able to sign up and work.
In addition to being 100% volunteer run, the shelter receives community support by way of donation and working hand in hand with public agencies. They have also seen recent support from local businesses.
Tom Upham (owner of Choice Cleaners) and Bob Hiller (owner of Rollin Pin Bakery) donated a percentage of their sales for a two-day period the first week of October. They also accepted donations of personal items on behalf of the cause.
As successful as the shelter has been for the last two years, the number of homeless men in the Janesville area has recently increased 50% due to the struggling economy. In the past they have had to turn men away due to reaching capacity. Sadly, the third season will see more of the same.
When I asked Mr. Benish what the public could do to help, his request was simple. “If your church is participating, contact the church coordinator and ask what you can do to help. If your church is not participating, please talk to them about joining as we would love to have more churches on board.” The only way to expand the shelter is to have more churches involved.
You can help the shelter through monetary donation or donation of twin size blankets, sheets, pillowcases, towels, and washcloths. The shelter also accepts bus tokens to provide transportation to and from shelters and other agencies of assistance. Mr. Benish pointed out a simple yet effective act most of us could perform today. He stated, “I like to tell people to reach into their medicine cabinet or hall closet and gather all the hotel soaps, shampoos and conditioners for donation.”
When seeking shelter at G.I.F.T.S., men can expect to receive dinner, a warm bed and breakfast to start the day. Something they may not expect to find but which is offered at every site is hope. The shelter is Christian based and offers bible study and prayer time. They also receive guidance linking them to other services in the area such as HealthNet and Rock County Job Center.
G.I.F.T.S. men’s shelter runs October thru April. Check-in time is between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM with checkout being 7:30 AM. The shelter is open and free to men 18 years of age or older who are in need of a warm, safe place to sleep. Each guest must fill out the appropriate forms and a police background check is conducted. There is a strict “no alcohol” policy as well. The shelter is a safe and loving place of refuge.
For more information check out their website at www.gifts-shelter.org . You can also call 608-751-7848 or 608-728-0140. Donations can be made by bringing them to the scheduled church between 6:00PM and 9:00PM or by using one of the numbers listed above to make other arrangements.
“God has not called us to see through each other, but to see each other through.” ~ Author Unknown
G.I.F.T.S. men’s shelter 2009-1010 season schedule:
Dec 6 – Dec12, 2009
Host: First Presbyterian Church
17 N. Jackson Street
Assisted by: Milton 7th Day Baptist
And
First Congregational UCC
Dec 13-Dec 19, 2009
Host: Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
2130 Mt. Zion Avenue
Assisted by: Edgerton United Methodist Church
And
Emmanuel Free Methodist Church
Dec 20-Dec 26, 2009
Host: St. John Vianney Catholic Church
1250 E. Racine Street
Dec 27-Jan 2, 2010
Host: St. John Vianney Catholic Church
1250 E. Racine Street
Jan 3–Jan 9, 2010
Host: St. Mary’s Catholic Church
313 E. Wall St.
Jan 10 – Jan 16, 2009
Host: Roxbury Road Church of Christ
2103 Roxbury Road
Assisted by: Footville Church of Christ
Jan 17 – Jan 23, 2010
Host: First Presbyterian Church
17 N. Jackson Street
Assisted by: Milton 7th Day Baptist
And
First Congregational UCC
Jan 24 – Jan 30, 2010
Host: Bethel Baptist Church
3300 Mt. Zion Avenue
Jan 31 – Feb 6, 2010
Host: Orchard View Alliance Church
2707 Bond Place
Assisted by: Milton United Methodist Church
Feb 7 – Feb 13, 2010
Host: St. John Lutheran Church
302 N. Parker Drive
Feb 14–Feb 20, 2010
Host: Trinity Episcopal Church
419 E. Court Street
Assisted by: First Lutheran Church
Feb 21-Feb 27, 2010
Host: First Baptist Church
3414 Woodhall Drive
Assisted by: Turning Point
Feb 28–Mar 6, 2010
Host: Grace Community International
1509 S. Grant Avenue
Assisted by: Faith Community Church
and
River Hills Community Church
Mar 7 – Mar 13, 2010
Host: Asbury United Methodist
1810 Kellogg Avenue
Assisted by: St. Patrick Catholic Church
Mar 14–Mar 20, 2010
Host: Cargill United Methodist Church
2000 Wesley Avenue
Mar 21–Mar 27, 2010
Host: Bethel Baptist Church
3300 Mt. Zion Avenue
Mar 28–Apr 3, 2010
Host: Emmanuel Free Methodist Church
4224 Whilden Court
Assisted by: Mt. Zion UMC
And
Edgerton UMC
Apr 4 – Apr 10, 2010
Host: St. Mary’s Catholic Church
313 E. Wall St.
Apr 11–Apr 17, 2010
Host: St. Williams Catholic Church
1822 Ravine Street
Apr 18–Apr 24, 2010
Host: Orchard View Alliance Church
2707 Bond Place
Assisted by: Milton United Methodist Church
Apr 25–May 1, 2010
Host: Cargill United Methodist Church
2000 Wesley Avenue
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