June has been a busy month with lots happening with In Our Backyard.
My husband and I were traveling to North Carolina to visit my family and were able to swing by Winston-Salem N.C. to visit Pastor Emily and Deacon Brooke at The Dwelling. They have an amazing program there, much like the 3rd Avenue Navigation Center here in Anchorage, Alaska, but with a worship service, meals, and an outdoor shaded rest area and shower trailer.
Our Board of Directors is working hard to to seek funding and form relationships with other nonprofits and social service agencies engaged in helping people who are living unsheltered in the community. We are also anticipating that an Anchorage Ordinance allowing Shelter Units will be laid on the table at the May 7th meeting.
So, a couple of big asks from our faith community:
- Donate to raise funds for the restroom/shower trailer. We need to place an order by mid May in order for the trailer to be shipped to Seattle by September. From there, it will be barged to Alaska. The estimated cost is $60,000.
- Send emails to the Assembly letting them know that you support the AO on Shelter Units Located in Community Shelter Camps. Randy Sulte has been the Assembly Member working on this. Thank him for being an advocate.
- Follow us on Facebook: In Our Backyard Alaska. Comment and Share. Take a look at our website: https://inourbackyard-ak.org/.
- Pray for guidance and patience, and for the people living unsheltered who need a safe place to be.
Loaves & Fishes,
Julie