Where We Are...

There is an old idiom that says, “seasons come and seasons go.” As we look for warmer weather to finally arrive, we are reminded of the seasons that bring change to our homeless population. Mike (shown above) has been living on the streets for over five years and regularly enjoys a hot meal at Shalom’s Dining with Dignity program. While Mike enjoys a hot breakfast with coffee, all his possessions are beside him—a worn-out suitcase, a garbage bag with his bedding, and a board that provides a barrier against inclement weather while he sleeps. His greatest possessions are “the hope” that lives within, his gratitude for God’s provisions, his new apartment, and his appreciation for Shalom Ministries always being there. Mike will soon enjoy the experience of carrying his meager possessions over the threshold of his new home with renewed hope and our continued support.

Just a few days ago, four of our guest-diners arrived for breakfast brimming with enormous joy announcing they had found housing—their own place to call home! Additionally, we recently celebrated the indescribable delight of three of our diners landing a job.

Shalom Ministries has been dealing with seasonal changes, too: (1) The increased cost of supplies and food. Grab-and-go containers and other paper goods have more than doubled in price. (2) Our main cook resigned due to a family emergency, but we have been blessed with a temporary interim cook, Justin. (3) Unfortunately, this season will be long lasting in our memories because we face increased demand for nutritious food plus the need of financial help as our meal counts have increased, especially during this pandemic.

We are grateful for your partnership through this taxing winter season and the vital impact that has grown in our 28 years of operation with an unwavering presence with the last and least. Your continued support is crucial to meet the ongoing needs that these “seasons” can bring. Please consider a generous gift to help us bring “hope” by sending a contribution to PO Box 4684, Spokane, WA 99220 OR donate online at www.shalommeal.org.

Most gratefully yours!

In the 1970s and 1980's, Central United Methodist Church in downtown Spokane reached out to its homeless and hungry neighbors with a meal ministry. A nationwide effort, called Shalom, within the United Methodist Church to create effective ministries in urban settings inspired the church in 1994 to create a separate 501(c)3 in Spokane that brought together religious, business, political, and social service communities to find solutions to poverty and homelessness. While Central UMC has now closed, Shalom Ministries is hosted in its old building by New Communities Church and retains a strong connection with other United Methodist Churches in the area, as well as with other churches from many traditions. Shalom seeks to build relationships and community amongst people who are disenfranchised. By providing a safe, loving, and accepting environment the door can be opened for healing and renewal, creating a sense of belonging to something greater than one’s self.