News & Needs

News & Needs

IN REMEMBERANCE

DOTTIE EMRICK

I certainly do not have the proper words to share with all of you of the blessing that Dottie Emrick was to our unhoused guests, SHALOM and myself (Bill).  This will be the first hosting season  without our dedicated and faithful friend.  Dottie exemplified how SHALOM is a place of acceptance and love for those seeking safety and warmth from the Winter elements in our host churches.  Dottie was not only faithful at SHALOM but also served tirelessly at Breiel Church when our guests were sheltered there.  Dottie did not just stop serving during those times.  She traveled with me for several years making prison visits and Dottie was wonderful about calling and providing uplifting encouragement to so many that knew her that I cannot begin to list everyone.  The best single word to describe Dottie is LOVE.  Those of us at SHALOM were blessed with her presence for many years and we repeatedly observed her unconditionaly love on those who many would consider unloveable and unworthy.

We know that Dottie remains with us as we begin the next hosting season without our friend but we know she is still with us and will be forever present at SHALOM.  Dottie’s request was that we continue to serve our guests, and Christ, exactly as we have done for so many years and in her honor we will make every attempt to honor her requests.  Rest in peace dear faithful servant and friend your work on Earth is done but your love, faith and support lives on.

 

 

UPDATE DATE:  02/03/2020

IN REMEMBRANCE AND GREAT APPRECIATION

 

ARCHIE CHEESMAN

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the passing of our dear friend Archie Cheesman.  Archie passed on February 2, 2002 due to an automobile accident while doing one of his most favorite things which was transporting area children who had no other way to get to Franklin Church of God.  Archie was a devoted member of Franklin Church of God and was devoted to the bus ministry which was the only opportunity for many to hear and experience the word and love of Jesus Christ.

Archie was the SHALOM Homeless Church Coordinator at Franklin COG  He was a dear friend to all of us at SHALOM and was also loved by many of the homeless who he loved to serve.  We will certainly miss our wonderful friend but we will be forever grateful for Archie and his servant heart.

In the days and weeks to come you may hear or read stories about all that Archie did for so many others and you might think that it would be impossible for one person to do so much for others but I assure you that all of it is true and then some.  Archie was 100 percent all-in in his faith and tirelessly worked to love and serve others.  I am sure that all of you know some people who like to tell you about all that they do.  I often share with these type of people that Christ will never tell any of us that we did too much.  But Archie may be the exception to this rule.  Archie did all that he could to make sure that others were truly blessed.  God has certainly already told him, “Well done my good and faithful servant”.

Archie will be missed by all that knew him but he is not gone, he has just gone ahead.  Please pray for his family, friends and his church as they continue their journey without this very special loved one.

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you”

PHILIPPIANS 1:3

 

Dear friends of SHALOM Homeless.  Please click on the link provided below, or browser search Washington Post SHALOM Homeless, to read a recent article which was printed in the Washington Post newspaper regarding the homeless, the city of Middletown and SHALOM Homeless.  Thank you for you continued prayers and support and God bless!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/an-ohio-city-known-for-helping-now-questions-its-limits-when-the-homeless-come-from-somewhere-else/2020/01/01/d58a38ac-2b26-11ea-bcd4-24597950008f_story.html#comments-wrapper

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/an-ohio-city-known-for-helping-now-questions-its-limits-when-the-homeless-come-from-somewhere-else/2020/01/01/d58a38ac-2b26-11ea-bcd4-24597950008f_story.html#comments-wrapper

 

CURRENT NEEDS

 

PILLOWS, WINTER WEIGHT BLANKETS, CONTINUED FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR THOSE WE SERVE, OUR CHURCHES AND OUR VOLUNTEERS.  WE ARE CURRENTLY BLESSED WITH A GREAT INVENTORY OF WINTER COATS DUE TO AN ANNUAL DONATION FROM FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH SO NO COATS NEEDED AT THIS TIME.  THANK YOU.

 

IN REMEMBRANCE AND APPRECIATION

 

MR. BILL WOOLEY

May 11, 1931 – July 1, 2019

It is with great sadness that I share the passing of longtime SHALOM Homeless volunteer Bill Wooley.  Bill was a faithful servant and volunteer at First Presbyterian and SHALOM Homeless for many years and he will be greatly missed.  Although we know in our hearts that Bill is in a much greater place he will still be missed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and church family during this time.  Bill was always a positive person in a sometimes very negative world.  He always brought a smile to our faces with his wit and wisdom and he spread joy to all that were blessed to know and serve alongside him.  Bill we thank you for your service to SHALOM Homeless and we thank your family for sharing you with all of us at SHALOM for so many years.  Rest in peace our dear and faithful friend and thank you for letting your light shine brightly, especially on those who may have been less fortunate.  Thank you and God bless!

Therefore encourage one another

and build each other up..

1 Thessalonians 5:11

 

SUMMER UPDATE 2019

I am often asked what services does SHALOM provide to the homeless during the non-hosting season.  We continue to maintain contact with the homeless in our community by providing assistance with the very much needed documentation that is required when seeking employment, housing and other benefits.  Although our doors are not open on a daily basis during this time we also continue to assist with clothing, shoes, hygiene items, shower facilities, transportation issues, medical needs, food and a variety of other forms of assistance.  All of this is still made possible due to the blessings of Jesus Christ and your continued prayers and support.  SHALOM is truly blessed to be able to serve not only the homeless but also other social agencies, churches and organizations in Middletown and our surrounding communities.