Often people ask me what supplies we need at the shelter, and ask about specific items. My response is typically that we need at least 500 times the amount of things you use at your own home like cleaning supplies, food items, etc. That is not far from the truth!

Honestly, we do operate in many ways like a household. We share three meals per day together, work around the schedules of each other to do our laundry, make sure the chores get done. We bond, we argue, we treat each other in an apathetic way. You name it and it probably happens at our place. Most likely, if you have witnessed a situation, a circumstance, an attitude or a problem in your own home, we have as well … thousands of times over.

The successes are celebrated – yet we still deal with the daily drama of 100+ individuals living in a relatively small space, along with the issues that brought them here.

For the most part, we are successful, however the grind is daily and the balance is somewhat tenuous. Some days are better than others.

The bottom line is that we work hard at life, at relationships, compassion, understanding, and fairness. And just like in other families, sometimes it works and sometimes we fail, but even if we don’t succeed, our overarching intent is to let our folks know they are loved – no matter what, that they are forgiven, and they have worth and value as a person. Again – just like in real life – we are not always able to convey that message in a way that can be heard, but the sentiment is certainly there.

And our other reality is that because people come to us when they are on the bottom rung of the ladder, they often arrive with numerous healthcare issues brought on by years of unhealthy living. Sometimes maybe poor choices played a role, sometimes they were unfortunate to have that biological predisposition to addiction, family history of diabetes, heart disease, etc. Other times it may have been that they could not afford to buy healthy food, or did not qualify for Medicaid and access to healthcare was not available. Maybe it was the trauma they experienced as a child, or in Afghanistan. Maybe the mental illness that has long gone untreated because the services are so sporadic spiraled out of control.

Regardless of how they come to us, their baggage comes as well…just like the baggage that is carried (and often hidden) within our own families. Because the bottom rung of the ladder is so daunting and there is little support way down there, the climb back up is steep.

Another reality we face, all too often, is that of death – the loss of someone we have walked many miles with. Since Christmas we have lost four of our folks, and that’s a lot of emotion and pain for our guests and for our staff.

Awhile back, some of us had the honor of attending a celebration of life service for one of our guys. It was probably one of the best, most real end-of-life services I have ever attended. The congregation was asked to share thoughts as they wished. Several people spoke, and as the minister called for anyone else to speak before continuing with the service, a man stood and as he walked down the outside aisle, he began to sing in a booming, rich voice, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me…” After he made his way to the podium, he shared stories of boys growing up in Statesville, playing basketball, doing the things that boys often do…and sometimes those things could be scrutinized as not very good choices! There was lots of laughter, the kind that good memories bring. It was a most real moment that showed the reality that all of our lives are not always in line with what is considered “right”, but with the even stronger reality that we are all covered by God’s grace and love.

When the minister delivered the eulogy, there was even more certainty shared that God’s love is real, and that it is up to us to pass it on. He said we all need to say, “I love you” more and without hesitation, that we need to show that love, and offer support where it is needed.

I couldn’t agree more. Our main job in this world is to love. Love our family, love those around us, love those who are different from us as well as those who are the same.

Is love the answer to all of our issues? Nah. But it sure is an important place to start.

Grace and Peace,
Patti West

Easter was a time of sharing, reflecting, and fellowship

Current/On-going needs list:

Men and women sweat pants
Men’s pants – 30”, 32”, 34” waist
T-shirts
Shorts
Men’s and women’s undergarments

Canned Veggies
Sugar
Coffee
Robitussin (generic is great)
Nasal spray
Neosporin
Hydrocortisone cream

Allergy meds
Sudafed/cold/cough meds
Throat lozenges
Cough drops
Tylenol
Ibuprofen
Tums/acid reducer
Multi-vitamins
Chapstick
Sunscreen
Visine

Deodorant
Razors
Body wash
Shampoo/conditioner

We are in desperate need of vehicles – 15 passenger van, mini-van, small car (that gets good gas mileage)
Call us at 704-872-4045 with questions!

FIFTH STREET MINISTRIES presents the 19th annual

Sunday, July 21st, 2019 • Statesville Civic Center • Noon until 1:30pm

Summertime Christmas lunch • Auction with something for everyone • Best bake sale ever

Ready to be a “Christmas in July” sponsor?

Contact us and let us know your level of sponsorship:

5th Street Partner – $1000
Recognition at the “Christmas in July” event as a Partner Sponsor
Recognition in the “Christmas in July” event program as a Partner Sponsor
Acknowledgement in Fifth Street Ministries’ widely distributed newsletter
Acknowledgement in Fifth Street Ministries Social Media postings
Recognition during “Christmas in July” announcements and advertisements
Reserved table (eight tickets) for the “Christmas in July” event

5th Street Advocate – $500
Recognition at the “Christmas in July” event as an Advocate Sponsor
Recognition in the “Christmas in July” event program as an Advocate Sponsor
Acknowledgement in Fifth Street Ministries’ widely distributed newsletter
Acknowledgement in Fifth Street Ministries Social Media postings
Eight tickets to the event

5th Street Supporter – $250
Recognition in the “Christmas in July” event program as a Supporter Sponsor
Acknowledgement in Fifth Street Ministries’ widely distributed newsletter
Acknowledgement in Fifth Street Ministries Social Media postings
Four tickets to the event

5th Street Friend – $100
Recognition in the “Christmas in July” event program as a Friend Sponsor
Acknowledgement in Fifth Street Ministries’ widely distributed newsletter
Acknowledgement in Fifth Street Ministries Social Media postings
Two tickets to the event

Donation
I would like to donate a new item or service to be auctioned (include description)