Dear Friends and Supporters,
Greetings to everyone! I trust and pray that you have had a good summer, in spite of these tough economic times. It is indeed a very difficult time we live in, locally, Nationally, and Globally. We, as the Refuge have continued on though, even in tough times. The number of people needing help has, of course, grown dramatically. At times, it can be discouraging since we have to turn people away that we are unable to help. Resources and funds for the Refuge, and for helping agencies, both secular and religious are strapped. But, we continue on, believing that God is in control and that the cause of justice for the poor and peace is a righteous one.
There have been many changes with our ministry and many events and outreaches we have participated in. These include the Cornerstone Festival (www.cornertonefestival.org), PAPA fest (www.papafestival.org), and the March for Our Lives Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign at the Republican Convention (www.economichumanrights.org). Further details on the Poor People’s March will be forthcoming.
In addition to these larger events, we continue our local outreaches. These include our partnership with Living Waters Transitional Housing for the Homeless, our street outreach to the homeless, our addictions recovery houses, counseling and support groups, youth street outreach, youth mentor home(CRYS), Refuge of Tampa and FAVOC, direct action and Social Justice Advocacy, Intentional Communities in Tampa and St. Petersburg(now in Seminole), Church Services and Bible Studies. There have been some changes in these ministries and the Refuge in general. Lionheart Recovery, our addictions recovery program, has changed and reorganized. It is now called Brotherhood Ministries and has an even stronger spiritual emphasis. Our intentional community has moved to Seminole. And, the biggest and perhaps the most significant change is that we have merged and come under the Underground Church in Tampa (www.tampaunderground.org). We are very excited about this as their emphasis includes justice for the poor, intentional community, racial and gender diversity in membership and leadership, and committment to Kingdom of God principles of justice and peace. They were, for instance very supportive of our “sleep outs” with the homeless, and supportive of the poor peoples march at the RNC.
With all these changes, we nontheless continue to need financial help and support on a regular basis. It looks like we will be getting a significant grant in January of 2009, but we have to make it til then. Currently, we are seeking to raise about $5800 to keep doors open and us going until January. This will cover current debt, shortfalls on my salary, and operating shortfalls for general budget. The various housing programs are, for the most the most part, self funded. Additonally, we desperately need a car for the ministry and a 15 passenger or 12 passenger van. A minivan would be a compromise to both. If you can help in any way let us know.
In closing, let me share 2 stories with you. Recently, a young man called us with a referral of a friend of his who needed recovery for addictions. This young man came through our program , a few years ago. He now had a few years drug free, a job, a home, and a relationship with God. He was now giving back by helping a friend. Also, we recently helped a young single mom avoid jail and loosing her child by going to court for her. She is now trying very hard to move in a new direction in her life.
All of this and more, is done on a daily basis with the help of you prayers and financial support. Please give a generously as you can with both one time and ongoing monthly gifts. All gifts are tax deductable and can be sent to the Refuge at 1818 29th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33713. If you have questions, you can call me at 727 278 1547 or email me at bgcwright@aol.com. Our website is www.refugestpete.org. Thank you.
Sincerely, Bruce
