Ss.

Peter and Paul Jesuit Church, Detroit

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T h e Wa r m i n g C e n t e r NEWS
The Ss. Peter and Paul Jesuit Warming Center is an Ignatian parish ministry of people in mutual service to and with our neighbors; many of whom live on the street, and whose realities include addiction, grief, shame, fear, impoverishment and/or mental impairment.
NOVEMBER 2013

A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed Henry Ibsen

Great Impressions . . . There are always things at the Warming Center that are so impressive in a very deep and meaningful way. I know I am biased, but that does not make it any less true. One Wednesday this month we had two of the University of Detroit Mercy Community Health Nursing students come in and do foot care under the guidance of Sr. Judy. While the two students washed and massaged the sore and battered feet of our guests, I was very impressed by their kindness and easy going manner. While they were busy, their coordinator, Judy, helped out in the kitchen with the pizza and soup that we were serving for our hot meal. Wednesdays are also the days that the H.E.L.P. legal aid clinic is in operation. I am always very impressed by all the attorneys who take time out of their busy schedule to volunteer and provide pro bono legal counsel to our guests. Our staff member Sandy is always happy to assist. She gets The students washing the feet of an extra jolt of satisfactions when all of the guests who sign Emmanuel and Charles: Happy Feet! up are able to be seen. The lives of our guest are complicated and when there is assistance available to help them untangle even one of the obstacles they face it is cause for true rejoicing! WINTER HOURS This month I also had the joy to witness a wonderful interaction between a deaf guest, who we had not seen for awhile, and our newest staff member, Alyssa. You The Warming may remember from the last newsletter that Alyssa is a sign language major. The Center is open moment they met and began signing both their faces lit up, excited and happy! They every morning signed to each other with great joy and while I had no idea what they were talking Monday - Friday. about, I felt privileged to witness their joyful interaction. 7:00am - 11:00am You can't beat moments like these. They happen every day at the Warming Center, and leave an impression on the deepest part of your being! W E NE E D

Y O U!

-Michael Thomas
YOU DID IT AGAIN!!! Kroger Community Rewards sent us another check to help the Warming Center!! Simply by enrolling on www.krogercommunityrewards.com and shopping, your regular shopping needs benefit the Warming Center through a percentage of sales rebate. We received more than $90 just from supporters like you. THANK YOU!!!

WARMING CENTER STAFF

Director: Marissa Misslin Floor Monitor & Outreach Coordinator: Michael Thomas Floor Monitor & Supply Coordinator: Alyssa Grant

CONTACT US
Phone: (313) 961-8077 Email: warmingcenter@sspeterandpauljesuit.org

WARMING CENTER HOURS

Monday through Friday 7am-11am Staff is available until 2pm daily.

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Ss. Peter Paul Jesuit Detroit GUEST Rand EACTIONS TChurch, O RENOVATION PLANS Don, a guest of ours, recently came by after having been gone for awhile. He was stopping by to let me know he finally got an apartment. I was so happy to hear this! We were catching up and at one point in the morning I invited him into the Loveley Room to look at the renovation plans. When he saw them he was very impressed. When I told him of the Ford/UAW Joint Project funding of the renovations he seemed truly amazed. Gazing carefully at the plans, the extra showers, the expanded laundry facilities and so on, he had a look of pure joy on his face. "This is amazing!", he said, "I can't believe this!" He examined them very carefully, "You guys know what you are doing!" I asked, "Really?" He answered, "Really! Another one of our regular guests, Charles, pictured above with our volunteer Cassie, was also very pleased. Its beautiful, he said, shaking his head. It is great to experience such wonderful feedback and excitement on the part of our guests about the path that is before us!

MEALS
Another way friends of the Warming Center can help is by donating food (such as large cans of Pasta Sauce, Baked Beans, Chili Beans, Pasta, etc.) or even help in the preparation of these meals for our guests. We serve a Meal at 9:00 am each day for about 60 men and women. If you are interested in helping please give us a call at 313-961-8077 Ext 204.

GOURMET

Soup Mixes

As the weather is growing colder, we have been seeing a surge in the number of people coming to the Warming Center. Things have been going very well but we have been running into shortages on some key items that we would love to have donated on behalf of our homeless guests. Mens White Tube Socks are always a great need, and so essential to the health and well being of our SOUPS ON!! guests. So too are White Wash Cloths which we hand out for both showers Serves 6-12, No added salt and shaving. Large Bottles of Shampoo and Mens Spray Deodorant are also and no preservatives. very needed at this time. At the left is a list of these and other items, which are Contact Sandy at x200 if all very important to the smooth running of the Warming Center. Any way you you would like to make a can provide for our homeless guests is most welcome. purchase.

$7.00

WE ARE IN NEED OF YOUR HELP!

Our Needs

WARMING CENTER SERVICES

HOSPITALITY We provide a welcoming safe haven for our guests complete with coffee, tea, donuts, bagels and pastries. Each day we offer a hot meal and bread, peanut butter and jam for sandwiches. We also have a television, newspapers and magazines. We have a quiet room for those who need a place to rest. HYGIENE Shower and shaving facilities along with restrooms are available for our guests to take care of their individual needs. Our laundry room provides the opportunity to wash clothing and other belongings. PRACTICAL CARE We provide free use of a phone and mail service. When available we distribute new socks, underwear, hand-warmers, hats, gloves and scarves. LEGAL ASSISTANCE Volunteer attorneys are available to assist guests with identification, social security, disability and other matters on Wednesdays, during the Winter season. MEDICAL AID Medical students from area universities visit our guests to provide basic screenings and services.

Jelly Coffee (No Decaf) Mens Deodorant Mens Disposable Razors Mens Body Wash Shampoo Travel Sized Lotion White Wash Cloths Rain Ponchos Mens Belts Mens White Tube Socks Mens White Briefs (M)

Please call us for the best time to drop off supplies. 313-961-8077 ext 204