For 73 days this year, Virginians sheltered in place under the Governor’s “stay at home” order. But the reality for 110 neighbors within the Micah community was that they had no shelter in which to place.
Through the love of our churches, Micah committed to remaining a lighthouse in the storm – to securing emergency, socially-distanced motel rooms for our vulnerable neighbors. We committed to keeping the doors of Micah Hospitality Center open for showers, clean clothes, and other basic provisions. We delivered thousands of hot meals, expedited transitions into permanent housing (51 and counting), and worked with many of our neighbors to increase their income. We distributed cleaning supplies, masks, and hand sanitizers. We showed up, even if that meant gathering in a parking lot six feet apart.
Our prayer remained, if only for a season, to get everyone off the street. Today, our prayer is that no one has to return to the street. That all of our guests continue to experience the security and stability of shelter, and eventually a permanent home. That our guests don’t just survive. That they thrive.
Yet the future remains unknown, and in many ways, our challenges are only just beginning. Here are some ways you can make an impact.
$15 provides a night of winter shelter for one person
$25 buys a tent or sleeping bag
$30 keeps someone in housing for day
$45 keeps someone in a socially distanced shelter bed for a night
$100 buys a night of respite care for a person recovering from a hospital visit
$200 a day sparks the spiritual walk of new disciples
$350 a day provides basic needs of people living on the street
$900 covers the average rental deposit
$1500 bridges a someone to work