Monthly Project Report: Homeless Ministry (Dec 2017)

Agape Fish Fund partners with local churches and volunteers to provide meals, supplies, and Christian support for the homeless in San Jose, California.

Christmas Goodies

Santa Clause wasn't the only one getting free cookies at Christmas. On December 23, 2017, we handed out holiday treats, along with practical supplies, to our homeless neighbors.

​Christmas can be a depressing time for individuals without family, so we wanted to supply individuals not only with necessities, but things to bring a holiday cheer. 
​— Andy Pham, Ministry Leader Partner, Homeless Ministry

​Normally people only think about bringing basic necessities to the homeless, which is a great thing to do, but we decided to do something different this outreach. We focused on bringing things like cookies and candy to brighten up their holiday spirits. We wanted to go beyond just providing the basic necessities, by providing them things they would truly enjoy.

We teamed up with another organization called Sleeping Bags for the Homeless. Our team of 7 volunteers that day served 12-16 homeless people. We went out into the encampments to provide backpacks filled with goodies like beanies, socks, backpacks, water bottles, chocolates, candy, Twinkies, cookies, holiday cards, and hygiene products.

Individual Relationships and Church INivtations

Even though there was a huge concentration of the homeless in one area, we decided to look for individuals who were absent from the event. We have established some personal relationships with certain individuals, and we personally sought them out. When we arrived at their encampments, it definitely touched their hearts to see that we wanted to search them out personally to provide not only necessities, but to check up on their well-being. 

​​Through our holiday cards, we invited the homeless people to church. For example, one card said, "Merry Christmas! May God bless you. You're very special! Enjoy the goodies. Best, Marta, South Bay Church (Come and visit us. You're welcome.)

Update provided by Andy Pham, Edited by Carolyn D.