N.E.S.T. (Norfolk Emergency Shelter Teams) is coming!
Our week to shelter our homeless sisters and brothers is Jan. 27 – Feb. 3.
(A little background in case you are not familiar with NEST. It is a coalition of local churches and temples who have been providing winter shelter for the women and men who find themselves on our streets with no home to go to. Sacred Heart has been participating in this program since its beginning 20+ years ago. Overnight shelter as well as meals are provided and each
congregation takes a week to provide staff and cooks).
Because of the health and safety concerns due to COVID 19, our neighbors at First Presbyterian Church on Colonial Ave. have generously offered the use of their hall to house the NEST guests from December to March, so we will not be using our Commons as we have in the past. But we will still need the time and talents of the many people who make NEST work for Sacred Heart. Excellent safety precautions are being taken to insure the health of both guests and volunteers (PPE, hand sanitizer, social distancing, plastic shielding). Volunteer shifts are available mornings, evenings, and overnight. If you are not comfortable volunteering in person, you can donate some of the food and supplies we will need to provide 45 people with 3 meals for 7 days. Monetary donations will defray the costs of the things we must buy. Will you consider donating your time, your talent and/or your treasure to support this outreach which has been ongoing for 20+ years at Sacred Heart?
To volunteer for a shift: https://signup.com/go/FAebicb.
To donate food or supplies: https://signup.com/go/StmWZDc.
We will also collect socks, hats, gloves and small toiletries in a box in the Commons. It takes a parish effort to carry out this important ministry.
Questions? Contact Pat Walsh (757-440-2901) or pat.walsh@cox.net
A big round of applause to the Planning Team who has made NEST available to the parishioners at The Heart all these years. NEST has given many of us the opportunity to BE among our neighbors. Coming face to face with each person hosted at NEST has changed me through the last 15 years. “Washing the feet of Jesus” is a most humbling and yet honorable experience. I have become more aware of the persons who are living on the margins, and the structures that have placed and keep them there.