the refuge

  REFUGE NEWSLETTER FOR MAY 2008

                       Dear Friends and Supporters, 

                     Greetings to Everyone. We have been very busy, as usual. Many things are going on with the ministry at this time. We are continuing to look at expanding the nights the we provide sandwiches and coffee for the homeless on the streets. We are seeing signficant numbers again on the street. On average we are providing for more than 100 people everytime we are on the streets. It is our hope within the next few months to grow to serving 4 to 5 nights a week. There is new legislation at the State level that would allow Restraunts the ability to give away leftovers at the end of the night to non-profits, and it looks like it will pass. This will, of course, help us immensely, not only with our street outreach, but also with our in house recovery programs.
                      Our Recovery houses continue to grow again. We now have more than 35 people in our program. And, as we get funding to rehab the houses we are in, we will grow again. We are getting many referrals, but lack funding to bring more clients in. We are currently seeking indiividuals, businesses, foundations, and Churches to consider sponsoring clients, It costs $130 per week to be in our program and that includes everything except food. Clients self pay by working, government or social security, Family help, or VA benefits. Many addicts or alcoholics can’t come in due not having funds and this is why we have created this special scholarship fund. Please consider helping in anyway that you can with this much needed program.
                        We continue to counsel many needy street youth, homeless, Single parents, and needy families. We try to provide assistance to these families financially, when funds are available. We continue to struggle on a daily basis to make ends meet and continue to run short of funds at about the rate of $2500 a month. I will, unfortunately, need to find a part-time job. Currently, we need to raise about $1950 in immediate funds within the next few days to a week. So, please pray for us and give what every you can or raise it up to more than your current giving. I know everyone is struggling at some level during these difficult times and so your prayers, gifts, and thoughts are appreciated.
                      Also, keep in your thoughts and prayers Rev. GW Rolle and his outreach housing to the homeless called Living Waters. GW’s ministry is a direct outgrowth of our ministry, as he was ordained by our ministry and sent out by us. We offer counsel and support to his ministry. Please also keep in your thoughts and prayers the 2 single moms we have living in our program and their financial struggles. We are currently in need of a Washer and Dryer for them, and one of the moms needs a part-time job as a housekeeper/companion/aid, with flexible hours. We are also in need of a minivan with insurance coverage. And, lastly we are in serious need of help for a trip with are taking to the Cornerstone Music, Arts, and Social Justice Festival in July. We are bringing 15 people in a rented 15 passenger van and need to raise about $3800 for this trip, as it is now more expensive to go. The people we will be bringing will be low income and homeless families and individuals. If you can help, please let us know. I also will be speaking there. The festival web address is www.cornerstonefestival.org. I will also be teaching at a summer institute this year and the class I am teaching is called Theology and Poverty. If you would like to know more about class or other classes offered or to enroll go to www.tampaunderground.com. 
                    FInally, please pray for the Family of Patrick. He is a young man that both the Refuge and CRYS have worked with for years, who recently died tragically due to suicide. The family is so poor that they cannot afford funeral expenses and other basic needs. So, keep them in you thoughts and if you can help, please let us know. The Refuge mailing address is 1818 29th Ave North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33713. My email is bgcwright@aol.com or you can call me at 727 278 1547. Thank you.