One thing to know for sure about our First Street Methodist Mission is that no matter what happens in our world, their commitment to helping keep people fed remains the utmost priority.

Modifying the delivery of these services, however, was the order of the day this week to help comply with recent limitations on public gatherings to combat the spread of COVID-19 in our community — especially among our most vulnerable neighbors.

Our DiscipleChurch Breakfast Team served Breakfast as usual on Sunday morning — but by handing out bagged breakfast and lunch, one at a time, to 40 guests in the open air of the Garden. FUMCFW Staffers signed up to relieve the regular Mission volunteers, most of who are also considered vulnerable, they bagged groceries, sacked lunches, and did other tasks that needed to be done to support the Mission Staff’s delivery of sack lunches and groceries to hungry households, and infant formula. All services were provided at safe social distances, one at a time, and in the open air of the parking lot (which was especially challenging because it rained all week!).

“We’re buying lots and lots of food,” says Linda Murphy, FSMM Director, “and we’re considering decreasing the amount of time required between visits for groceries.” Linda adds that in addition to keeping people fed via these vital services in the coming weeks, they’re getting increased calls for emergency funds to help pay rent, utilities, and other necessities to help those who are housed to stay that way.

If you would like to make a donation to help buy groceries or for emergency rent and utility funding, please click here and select First Street Methodist Mission from the drop-down menu or contact Linda Murphy, Director (lmurphy@firststreetmission.org).