Series to focus on homeless in region

courtesy of Alice Pakurar, Chair Adult Ministries, The Brandermill Church

In these days of mortgage foreclosures and increasing joblessness, many who live in the Richmond area are more sharply aware of homelessness than ever before. Who are the homeless? How do people become homeless? How do they recover, find work, and become financially successful again? What can those who are not homeless do to help? These questions and more will be addressed in a six-part series hosted by The Brandermill Church in Midlothian, Va. The series will include discussions with area organizations that work with homeless individuals, and will take place on Sundays from 9:40 am until 10:40 am, beginning April 19.

Representatives from Central Intake, the Richmond City Police, Chesterfield County Social Services, CARITAS, Daily Planet, Homeward, Area Congregations Together in Service (ACTS), and Embrace Richmond, will enlighten participants with honest answers to their questions about the homeless, and how to work together to help people who are facing challenges too big to tackle alone.

Series coordinator Bob Beatty explains, “The purpose of the class is to introduce participants to several of the various organizations in Richmond that work with homeless individuals. This will allow a better understanding of the homeless situation and how it affects the region.” Brandermill Church member Denise Purvis states, “It seems like everywhere I turn I am hearing the words ‘financial crisis.’ I often find myself wondering what I will do if I or my husband lose our jobs. We have children and a mortgage, and it would only take a few months for us to run out of savings. I think a lot of people are facing these fears. This makes us more aware that anyone can become homeless, even if they used to have a great job. Knowing who works with homeless people and how to help can make us all feel a bit more in control of the situation.”

The series is free and open to the public. For more information, contact The Brandermill Church at 744-3661, ext 103.