February 9, 2016 in Congregations, Faith in action, Mission, Networking, News
Welcome Church Shelters ‘Women of the Well’
The Welcome Church is collaborating with a number of partners to provide nighttime housing for women experiencing homelessness in Center City.
The shelter, called “the Well,” will open at the Church of the Crucifixion at 8th and Bainbridge Streets on Sunday, Feb. 14. It will offer a place for gathering and renewal from 7:30 pm to 7:30 am through April 30.
- Scroll down to learn how you can help by contributing and volunteering NOW!
A small group of women, who have been reluctant to enter traditional shelters, have banded together as “women of the Well” even before the Well opens, says Welcome Church Pastor Violet Little. “The women are so excited and hopeful” about this experiment in intentional community, she says.
Neighbors and members of Synod congregations are invited to assist by offering a prepared evening meal, teaching a class, or sharing any other gift you might have with the women of the Well.
The partnership includes Horizon House (who will assist with staffing and supervision), Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church (TMC) at 22nd and Spruce and the Episcopal Church of the Crucifixion. Funding for the project has come from a grant provided by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, the Episcopal Diocese, the Welcome Church, and a number of individual congregations and donors.
Participants of this initiative have been carefully selected, especially since The Well is a drug-free, alcohol-free, and violence-free zone.
Here’s how you can help:
Connect with Sharon ( about item donations
Connect with Fran ( about volunteering a meal
| Supplies and donations | Volunteer opportunities |
| 2 cots (about $110 each)
24 twin size warm blankets 12 pillows 6 sets of twin size sheets 12 footlocker type bins (CONTICO 23-Gallon Black Plastic Storage Trunk Item #: 649196 | Model #: 1314BK-4 ~$25.00 each) 12 locks for the bins 5 medium size bins for food storage in kitchen (for cereal, bread, etc. ) One 30-cup coffee maker (for hot water) one standard coffee maker ($30.00) 4 standing lamps (about $20.00 each) curtains and rods for doorways between rooms (ask for details or $17.00 each = $100) 14 chair cushions (with ties, for folding chairs) footstools?
Paperback books for leisure reading Yarn for knitting; knitting needles and crochet hooks Coloring books and coloring implements
Fuzzy, warm socks to double as slippers Hand towels (not the small ones) Wash cloths Liquid hand soap shampoo
Dish liquid Dishwashing cloths or sponges Dish towels Paper towels Baggies (all sizes) for food storage Small plastic containers for food storage
Boxes of Cereal for breakfast Cereal bars Instant oatmeal Individual mac&cheese
Money always welcome for supplies such as coffee, milk, orange juice, cocoa, breakfast supplies, laundry, and details.
Ongoing supply of underwear, socks, bras (one-size type in small, medium, large)
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Help to set up shelter between 2/8-14 (not set yet, will work with volunteers)
Make a meal for 12 and drop off at The Well at 7 p.m. (one each night or drop off ahead) Shopper once a week for basics like o.j., milk, coffee, t.p., etc. Offer yoga class once a week or just once Offer craft night once a week or just once Offer crochet or knitting lessons one evening Offer a session to crochet plastic grocery bags into sleeping mats Any evening program women might enjoy Foot care evening Cooking a meal together one evening (you bring ingredients and all cook together)
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