February 2025 - Volume 37, Number 2 | Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only. (James 1.22)
WAYSIDE’S GOOD SAMARITAN PATROL
ACTS AS ‘HANDS & FEET’ OF THE LORD.
Good Samaritan Patrol handing out hot coffee, food and more near the Library.
It’s been a brutally icy and cold winter so far here in Kentucky and Southern Indiana... especially for our area homeless. So, efforts to remind them that they are not forgotten can make a huge impact. That’s where the Good Samaritan Patrol comes in to help.
Local church members selflessly volunteer for this life-saving patrol, which operates during both extreme cold and heat, rescuing individuals and guiding them to the safety of the Mission. Those who choose to remain outside are provided with food, warm beverages, and essential items such as blankets or sleeping bags.
“That cup of coffee and blanket just made my day,” said one happy recipient.
In a recent TV news story, long-time Samaritan Patrol veteran, Bill Leavell, shared, “We are supposed to be the hands and feet of the Lord here on Earth. And so that's what a lot of us attempt to do.”
Bill (left) helps out at a homeless camp.
Please volunteer for our Good Samaritan Patrols.
Or make a Donation for supplies. Text/Call 345-0081
DIRECTOR'S CORNER:
“We're taking care of all God’s children.”
In 1957, Wayside was the first Rescue Mission south of the Mason-Dixon line to be integrated. God doesn't see us as black and white.
Wayside Christian Mission was founded in 1957 by Reverend Richard Anderson. In the 1950s, it was very difficult to raise money. One wealthy gentleman offered Rev. Anderson a donation of $7,400, which was a lot of cash in 1957 (equivalent to about $83,000 today). But there was a catch: the man said the Mission could only take in white folks with this gift. Even though the Mission desperately needed those dollars, Rev. Anderson politely replied, “I'm sorry, you'll just have to take that money down the road because, here, we're taking care of all God’s children.” And so, Wayside became the first Rescue Mission south of the Mason-Dixon line to be integrated. God doesn't see us as black and white. God sees us all as his children and that's what Wayside tries to do: take care of everyone.
Rev. Anderson began Wayside to serve homeless of ALL colors.
Wayside remembers Dr. King’s quest for peace & equality.
Wayside honored Dr. King with a candlelight vigil, an ‘I have a Dream’ reenactment
Wayside Christian Mission was founded in 1957 by Reverend Richard Anderson. In the 1950s, it was very difficult to raise money. One wealthy gentleman offered Rev. Anderson a donation of $7,400, which was a lot of cash in 1957 (equivalent to about $83,000 today). But there was a catch: the man said the Mission could only take in white folks with this gift. Even though the Mission desperately needed those dollars, Rev. Anderson politely replied, “I'm sorry, you'll just have to take that money down the road because, here, we're taking care of all God’s children.” And so, Wayside became the first Rescue Mission south of the Mason-Dixon line to be integrated. God doesn't see us as black and white. God sees us all as his children and that's what Wayside tries to do: take care of everyone.
The Choir also played several beautiful songs.
A Fresh Start: Veteran Bill Huston Shares His Wayside Journey.
For U.S. military veteran Bill Huston, Wayside Christian Mission's Veterans Program offered more than just shelter – it provided a pathway to rebuild his life. After leaving a 20-year relationship with little more than his clothes, Huston found himself needing assistance. Through the Veterans Administration, he discovered Wayside's comprehensive program designed specifically for veterans.
"The program allowed me to continue to work, save money, and gave me structure," Huston explains. As a business owner, he particularly appreciates the program's emphasis on accountability and goal-setting. Each week, must meet specific Key Performance Indicaresidentstors (KPIs) while working toward stable housing.
Bill is grateful for this safety net for veterans.
The program's accommodations impressed Huston from the start. "It's really nice, really clean," he notes, highlighting the two-person rooms and the natural camaraderie among veterans. "We've all had a similar experience, having left home early as practically kids and had to mingle with other people to accomplish our mission."
Beyond housing, Wayside offers comprehensive support services. Case managers help veterans create realistic household budgets, improve credit scores, and search for permanent housing. The facility also provides social activities, including weekly veteran meals, group outings, and holiday events.
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For Huston, the experience has been humbling and enlightening. "This is one of the perks of being a veteran, of putting your life on the line and serving this country," he reflects. "The Veterans Administration and Wayside appreciate that and provide a safety net for us as veterans."
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"This isn't just a bed and a place to lay my head," Huston emphasizes. "The VA program here provides structure and assistance through both the VA and Wayside." He strongly recommends the program to other veterans experiencing homelessness, particularly noting its safety and cleanliness.
I.T. VOLUNTEER HERO NEEDED!
Wayside desperately needs networking and Wi-Fi help at Hotel Louisville. We need a hero! If you can help us, please text or call Tracy: 502-345-0081
More Than a Moment:
Louisville's Homeless Need You Now.
Wayside is always grateful for the many volunteers we get at Thanksgiving and Christmas. You are amazing!
But homelessness doesn't pause between holiday seasons—it persists daily, demanding consistent community support. Wayside serves as a critical lifeline, but our impact depends on sustained volunteer engagement.
Winter in Louisville creates life-threatening conditions for those without shelter. Thousands of individuals experience homelessness annually, including working individuals, families, and veterans struggling with housing instability.
Our volunteers change lives daily!
Your commitment matters. By volunteering now, you will:
- Provide immediate support during challenging winter months
- Help break some cycles of poverty
- Demonstrate that your compassion extends beyond holiday moments
The harsh reality is simple: while holiday volunteers bring temporary
warmth, unhoused neighbors need consistent support. Each volunteer
hour directly translates to meals served, beds provided, and hope
restored.
Wayside offers flexible opportunities to match your diverse schedules
and skills. Whether you can offer two hours or two days monthly, your
contribution creates tangible community impact.
Louisville's strength has always been its heart. Today, that heart calls you to stand with your most vulnerable neighbors, not just during holidays, but during the quiet, tough days when support matters most.
Homelessness doesn't take a break. Neither can our compassion.
