“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.” – John Wesley

Operation Faith is one of our four outreach programs that was created in hopes of counteracting the stereo types, abuse and disrespect that is normally associated with homelesness. We do all that we can to provide homeless people with basic needs such as hygiene items, backpacks, blankets, sleeping bags and other things that they may individually need; not just what we feel they could use. Our mission is to raise awareness on not just some, but all of the issues facing homeless people. We want everyone to be able to look at a homeless person and see a human being–the mother, father, sister, brother or friend that they are (or once was) to someone, not just a homeless person who “doesn’t matter”. The truth of the matter is, they do matter, and their life is every bit of worth living as anyone elses. If we ever actually took the time to talk to them, we’d learn that although they may not have much, what they do have to offer us is something truly priceless–something that “matters” the most.

Imagine putting yourself in their shoes. How would you feel? How would you like to be treated and spoken to? What things do you think you would need? We try to encourage everyone to keep these things in mind when giving and/or volunteering their time, energy and love.

Some of the items(travel sized) needed for Operation Faith include:

• Soap
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste/Dental Floss
• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Body Lotion
• Socks
• Comb/Brush
• Washcloth
• Underwear
• Plastic bags (for dirty clothes)
• Sanitary napkins/tampons
• Hand sanitizer/wet wipes
• Mouthwash/Chewing gum
• First Aid  kit
• Granola/Protein bars or shakes
• Water bottle
• Hat/Gloves
• Can opener

We must not forget that a huge percentage of homeless people have pets, which they consider to be their only source of family and companionship, and since most shelters do not allow pets, the shelter is not even an option for them. For this reason, we consider dog/cat food to also be a very important part of this list. Most of these travel sized items can be purchased at 99 cent stores or other stores such as Walmart, Target that sell travel sized items.

These items are all packed into what we like to call  “Journey sacks“(after-all, life is a journey, not a destination)  and given to a person in need. The Journey sack is simply a backpack (we recommend getting one used) loaded with some or all of these essentials.

Each one includes a black and white ‘journ’al notebook and pen to document their unique journey- from thoughts, feelings and hopes for the future. As we may or may not know, the writing process of visualizing our future helps to make it come true…which is exactly what we encourage.

Items for Operation Faith are always needed and always welcomed.

Thank You!