"Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." - Matthew 25:40
As we approach the colder months, preparations are now underway to open our campus to support our City and neighbors for our 3rd winter season Emergency Cold Weather Shelter - this winter serving families with children. This vital ministry is a commitment from our entire Cathedral community, and we need everyone’s help to continue this important work.
St. Paul’s has always been dedicated to the care and support of the unhoused in downtown Oklahoma City. During the late 1980s and 1990s, when many places of worship moved from downtown to the suburbs, we remained steadfast in our commitment to the downtown area. Through ministries like the Guild of St. George and now our Emergency Cold Weather Shelter, we have stood with our unhoused siblings.
We don’t have dates for future shelters yet, but, we do know that this winter will bring families to us to care for and comfort. The time is NOW to get ready. There are several ways you can begin making an impact today:
1. Sign up to volunteer: Visit the City Care Website—one of many of our shelter partners—and sign up to help. There are training videos to watch and a registration process to complete. Once you have completed your volunteer registration, you will automatically be alerted when there are volunteer slots available.
2. Donate supplies: Review our grocery list for food items, or supply list (Amazon Wish List) and consider contributing non-perishable and shelf-stable pantry goods, which are greatly needed now.
3. Join us Sunday, November 17, at 3 p.m. in Dean Willey Hall for an informational session. We’ll have training, preparation time, supply organization, and a Q&A forum. You’ll also learn about new updates for this year’s shelter, including security for added support. Questions? Reach out to Stephanie Jensen, Shelter Coordinator and Staff Assistant, at sjensen@stpaulsokc.org
Learn more about the Myths of homelessness in Oklahoma City HERE.