Trinity Cathedral hosts a walk-in ministry that provides the most vulnerable among us food, toiletries, clothing, and referral services. They participate along with four other downtown churches as members of the Downtown Ministerium.
The ministry needs new volunteers to continue this valuable service. Volunteers are responsible for welcoming individuals who have emergency needs, every fifth week, initially Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
We now have eight volunteers, from St. Paul's in Mt. Lebanon, Calvary in East Liberty, and Redeemer in Squirrel Hill, but could use more.
The volunteers listen to people, ask what they need, direct them to homeless shelters, food pantries, and other sources of service and assistance listed on a database (for example for a job search, acquiring an ID, getting furniture or clothing, transportation to medical appointments).
The dates Trinity will host the ministry this year are October 9-12, November 13-16, and December 18-21. Training can be arranged individually.
We would also appreciate donations of cash, bus passes, individually packaged shampoo, bar soap, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dish detergent, laundry detergent, rolls of toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and diapers (especially size 4 and 5).
Anyone interested in helping this program should contact Marianne Novy, chair of the Social Justice and Outreach Committee, mnovy@pitt.edu,