the refuge

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I hope and pray that all is well with you. We apologize for the lateness of this Newsletter. We have been very, very busy. This Newsletter is also serve as an end of the year report. But, first let me tell you a story. On my way to my destination today, as it was pouring down rain, I notice several homeless people, men and women, holding up signs asking for food, work, or financial help. It struck me, what kind of society have we come to, and where are at economically, that so many people, must seek for help this way. One could be cynical and say “these people are just lazy”, but I know many of these people and they are not. Many work, but don’t make enough money, some are handicapped, both physically and mentally. This is why the Refuge exists! To be a voice and support for “these people”.
So, here are the highlights for 2007, in no particular order:

-Coordination of Tent Cities and documentation of the tent slashings/attacks on the homeless by the city of St.Petersburg in Jan and Feb of 2007
-Sleep Outs with the homeless twice last year
-Lionheart Recovery Program:
Started the year with more than 100 recovering addicts in 17 houses, but due to cutbacks
from the state funding, ended the year with only 5 houses
-3 times a week Coffee and Sandwich distribution to homeless on the streets averaging about 100 people
-Opening of Ortiz Court, now Lionheart Village, which are 15 small houses on one block, providing low income housing and addictions -recovery housing
-Bringing about awareness of the 5 homeless men murdered last year, of which Refuge presided over the memorial service of 2 of them
-Church based Shelter at Lakewood United Church of Christ for more than 40 people for 11 weeks from late Feb. to May
-Opening of 2 Intentional Communal based shared living houses, one in Tampa and one in St. Petersburg
-Involvement in the Emerging Church Movement, including planning of Conference
-Music outreachs with bands: Odon Soterias, Fall Empire Fall, and The Refuge Collective
-More than a dozen people committing to following Christ
-Speaking at the Cornerstone Festival in June
-Bringing more then 22 people, including families, to Cornerstone Festival
-Peace Rallies — including a sleep out at the Republican debates
-Fighting anti homeless ordinances
-Helping launch a “House Church”
-Recovery meetings every Wednesday, averaging 50 in attendance
-Launch of Tampa Refuge
-Ordaining 4 ministers
-Ongoing Juvenile Justice advocacy through memberships in the Pinellas County Justice Justice Council and Circuit 6 board
-Ministering to street youth and work with the Coalition for the Reform of Youth Services
-Thanksgiving distribution to 40 families
-Christmas distribution to to 40 families
-Financial Assistance to 10 to 15 families and individuals a month averaging about $150 per need

So, as you can see we were very busy last year. We hope to be so this year and already are. Just let you know, the Refuge ended the year financially behind. The typical operating budget, minus the Recovery houses, is $5800 a month. We only made that 7 times last year. We are greatful for that support, but are seeking more consistant support this year, including grants. We did recieve several special gifts last year from individuals that gave more than $10,000 collectively, but still ran short. We also recieved help from some small grants. The recovery program also ended behind and lost more than $19,000 a month in support from State monies due to cutbacks, but still maintains 3 houses, as well as opening Ortiz Court. These programs pay for themselves due to clients working or getting assistance of some kind.
In closing, thank you again for all your support. Please continue to give and consider regular monthly support. We are working on new ideas and outreaches all the time. Just to name to in particular, we are trying to open a homeless men’s house, under the direction of Rev. GW Rolle, formerly homeless man and now ordained. We are seeking to raise $2000 for this. We are also trying to open an intentional community for single moms and families. These are just a few things in prayer and the works. If you have any questions, or can help in any way please call me at 727 278 1547. You can send all checks to the Refuge at 1818 29th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33713.

Sincerely, Rev. Bruce Wright MA, DMin., CPAC, MAC