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The mission of Stone Deliverance Evangelical Temple is “To win the Lost, at any Cost”. Recently when the church had an opportunity to outreach to the homeless and low income people of Akron, Ohio, they experienced a huge learning curve about what being homeless in America is all about, and in blessing others, they too were blessed. This is a letter we received about their outreach.

Our Church is located in the midst of inner-city Akron, surrounded by low-income housing. Originally I had contacted you because we desired to help the homeless in our city who suffer greatly during our bitter snowy winters. It is not unusual for individuals to die as a result of the below zero temperatures that frequent our area.

Your donation made it possible for us to reach many of these individuals with clothing to help keep them warm. When I received your shipment, I contacted representatives of the Akron Police and Fire to find out the best places to reach the most needy individuals in our area, and the police directed me to soup kitchens and other areas where the homeless could receive hot meals. We spent several days handing out shirts to individuals who were in this category. We found people inappropriately dressed for our climate who frequent these soup kitchens as much for the clean and warm surrounding as for the food they receive.

We met many individuals with weather burns on their faces from the 10 and below degree temperatures of the first week of our handout. On our first day of handing out shirts, one lady told us she was dying of pancreatic cancer. She suffered from her illness as well as the bitter cold temperatures. Though she accepted a sweatshirt and jacket from us, she found it difficult to understand that our gifts represented the love that God had for her. She said, “I just want to be happy in my last days.”

We met many people who were in their conditions due to drugs or other tragedies. We even met some whose clothing was so filthy that a change might aid in lifting their spirits and dignity. Those conditions will remain in our minds forever.

As we approached Grace Park, in central Akron, where about twelve people sat on snow covered benches, one man yelled “Gifts!”, and the people ran our way. Our hands were kissed, and we received hugs from people we may never see again, but their “God bless you” over and over again, meant so much as we drove away….

We were also directed to an area in east Akron, where many houses are boarded up, in preparation to be destroyed. To our amazement, we were told that many homeless use these houses to sleep and to use the facilities. These houses have no running water or utilities, but the toilets are full, trash covers the floors, and there are frequent house fires due to cans and barrels being used to build fires for warmth. We gave a countless number of shirts to people with these living conditions. We also gave sweatshirts to the Haven of Rest for the homeless men that spend the night in their facility.

All of these items were given at no charge, and every individual who received was excited about their gift. This project humbled each of us who participated. It was a learning experience that I will not soon forget.

Sara F. Lash, Youth Director, Community Outreach

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