For Our Neighbors who previously experienced homelessness.
By Candra Healy
In 2022, Baltimore rehoused 1,188 individuals and families experiencing homelessness. But the annual point-in-time census counted 1,597 Baltimoreans in need of housing on just one night in February. Every day, more neighbors, friends, and family reach out for help. MORE HELP IS NEEDED.
St. Ignatius Parish is reaching out to support our neighbors previously experiencing homelessness by purchasing new comfort items and housewares packed in a Welcome Basket that will be delivered to their new home when they are rehoused. While it may seem to be a small step to addressing the homeless problem in Baltimore City, Yvonne Wenger, Director of Community Affairs at the Archdiocese of Baltimore assured us that our parish’s participation to provide 10 Welcome Baskets means a lot. We agree and appreciate the generosity of our parishioners. We made a commitment to join the effort of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the Mayor’s Office on Homeless Services and the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Partners because of our shared concern for our neighbors experiencing hopelessness. According to Yvonne, who facilitates this project on behalf of Archbishop Lorie, “the welcome baskets are a need for the individuals and families that will provide resources and immediate results.”
The Justice & Peace Ministry went all in on the project providing a list of green, eco-friendly products, and healthy (mostly) snacks and teas. And, so did the Parish Office in helping with all of product deliveries, packing, and preparations. In addition to the bamboo laundry hamper, and contents each Welcome Basket included a welcome letter from Rev. Brian Frain, S.J. and a $25 VISA gift card.
Many thanks to Rev. Brian, Chris McCullough, Greg Richards, Barbara Dailey, Theresa Furnari, Lorraine Cuddeback-Gedeon, John Odean, Angie Turner, and Deacon Paul Weber.
What is Included in the St. Ignatius Church Welcome Baskets?
• 1 93 Liter Bamboo Laundry Basket
• 3-4 Boxes of Kleenex Tissues
• Febreze Odor Fighting Air Freshener
• Meyers Multi Surface Cleaner Concentrate
• Lysol All Purpose Sanitizing and Disinfecting Spray
• 2 Double Rolls of Brawny Paper Towels
• Lysol Antibacterial Spray
• Meyers Liquid Dish Soap
• 1 Good Grips Soap Dispensing Dish Scrubber
• Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• 4 Rolls of Seventh Generations Toilet Paper
• Meyers Hand Soap
• Method Laundry Detergent
• Seventh Generations Dryer Sheets
• Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
• 1 Box of Swiss Miss Rich Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix
• Celestial Herbal Tea Fruit Sampler Tea Bags
• English Tea Time Black Tea
• Sugar in the Raw Cane Sugar
• Clover Honey
• 1 Box Goldfish Crackers and Pretzels Snack Packs
• 1 First Aid All Purpose Emergency Kit
• 1 50 x 70 Throw
• Letter from our Pastor Brian Frain, S.J.
• $25 VISA GIFT CARD