October 2024 - Volume 36, Number 9 | Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only. (James 1.22)
“I’m Starting to Believe.” - A Veteran’s Rediscovery of Faith at Wayside.
Judith, a veteran and former specialist at Fort Benning, Georgia, found herself homeless and living in a truck with her significant other and support dog after being evicted from their apartment. Their situation changed when VA representative Christina Gaines noticed them and introduced them to the Wayside Christian Mission VA GPD program, which accepts singles, families and some pets.
Life at Wayside has been transformative for Judith. "It's been wonderful," she says. "I can take a shower every day. I can go back to work. I have some food in my stomach. I have a roof over my head. The staff is awesome. The program is great."
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​The Christian aspect of the organization has had a profound impact on Judith's faith. "I've started going to church since I've been here," she reveals. "He's making me a believer. I'm starting to believe in my faith more now I know there are people out there that are helping me."
Judith no longer has to live in her truck.
Judith's message to other veterans on the street is one of encouragement: "It's okay to ask for help.”
Wayside has provided Judith with essential resources, including housing assistance, medical care, and employment support. "These guys have helped me out of my rut.” Judith explained. “They’re going to help me get my own housing, and they're showing me I can do it and have a bright future."
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​“If you're a disabled or honorable vet, ask for help. We deserve it. We fought for our country and now our country's ready to give back to us. Especially Wayside Christian Mission. It's a good program. I would recommend it to anybody."
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Veterans in need of help can call Wayside at: 502-656-2541 OR call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 877-424-3838
Judith and ‘Bubbee’ are grateful for the Mission!
DIRECTOR'S CORNER:
WAYSIDE EXPANDS SHELTER CAPACITY TO ADDRESS HOMELESS FAMILIES CRISIS.
The renovation will help us serve more families.
Wayside is undergoing a significant renovation project to increase our capacity to serve homeless individuals and families in the community. We’re converting the first floor of the Jefferson Street location into a new emergency women's shelter, freeing up space upstairs for families.
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“There are families living in cars, or they’re living on the streets camping out. There’s a severe shortage of rooms for homeless families in Louisville,” said Nina Moseley, chief operating officer of Wayside.
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The new shelter will provide nearly 40 beds for women, along with essential amenities like bathrooms, an activities space, and a dog washing area. Once the renovation is complete, the existing women’s shelter upstairs will relocate to the new space, allowing Wayside to accommodate more families.
The total number of family beds at Wayside will exceed 100, marking a crucial step in addressing the "desperate" situation of family homelessness in Louisville.
Wayside is funding the renovation project through a combination of grant money from the city and COVID-19 relief dollars. The work is expected to be completed by the end of this year or early next year.
Dare to Care brings a large cookout to the shelter for their latest food fight.
Shelter clients enjoyed all the cookout goodies!
Dare to Care volunteers worked with Wayside staff to bring a delicious cookout to the Shelter for their Friday Food Fight in September. Clients were treated to grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, plus salads, chips and desserts. Special thanks to Dare to Care!
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Wayside is grateful for all of the loving volunteers.
You Can Help Make a Life-Changing Difference This Holiday Season!
This holiday season, let's come together to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Wayside is seeking your generous support to ensure that every child has a memorable Christmas. ​​​​​​​
A. Sponsor a Family for Christmas 502-584-3711
Imagine the joy on a child's face when they receive a gift on Christmas morning. By sponsoring a family, you're not just providing presents; you're offering hope and a sense of belonging.
Sponsoring a family is as easy as 1-2-3:
1.Choose a family: Call 502-584-3711 and we'll provide you with a list of families in need, including info about their children's ages and interests.
2.Shop and wrap: Next, you’ll purchase gifts tailored to their preferences and wrap them with care.
3.Donate: Drop off your gifts by Dec.22 for our Christmas Eve celebration!
​"Sponsoring a family isn't just about giving a gift,” says Wayside COO, Nina Moseley. “It's about showing these children that someone cares. It's a small act that can have a profound impact on their lives."
Help us make it special.
Volunteers make a real difference.
B. Volunteer Your Time
Whether you have a few hours or a whole day to spare, your time is invaluable. Volunteer for our Thanksgiving and Christmas meal programs and help make these special occasions unforgettable!
From serving meals to assisting with decorations, there's a role for everyone. Let's come together as a community and show our neighbors that they're not alone. Your generosity can make a lasting difference by creating a holiday season filled with warmth, joy, and hope for all.
To volunteer, call Tracy: 502-345-0081
or sign up at: waysidechristianmission.org/holiday-help
Manuela: Finding Hope and Safety at Wayside
Manuela came to the shelter in late August after losing both her job and her home. She admits the adjustment to shelter life was daunting but ultimately life-changing.
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“When I came here, it was like, oh man, now you're being sheltered,” she says. Despite initial reservations, she quickly realized that the shelter offered more than just a bed—it was a safe haven. "It's the best thing now. Be safe in the shelter.”
Manuela speaks highly of Maureen, the Family Shelter Manager at Wayside, crediting her for providing essential guidance and support. Without Maureen’s help, Manuela insists she would still be homeless, struggling to survive on the streets. This personal connection has been a cornerstone of her recovery.
Manuela is grateful for Wayside’s safe haven.
Wayside's Christian focus also plays a significant role in Manuela's journey. While she didn’t initially seek out faith-based support, she acknowledges that it has provided her with a sense of security. “I feel much better here,” she says, comparing the safety of the shelter to the uncertainty of street life.
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Manuela remains active in her recovery, attending counseling sessions and managing her daily responsibilities. She sees the shelter as a stepping stone toward greater independence, as she eagerly awaits permanent housing. "I’ve got to be on my own, have an apartment," she asserts.
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She strongly encourages those experiencing homelessness to seek shelter. "Anybody who is homeless now, please go to the shelter. You will be better," she urges. Her experience at Wayside has been overwhelmingly positive. She remains grateful for the safety and support Wayside provides, concluding emphatically, "Wayside saved my life."
