Grace Church: A Beacon of Hope at HALO
At HALO, we are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated network of community partners who embody the spirit of compassion and service. Among these invaluable allies, Grace Church stands out for its profound and long-standing commitment to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in Racine. Their consistent presence and heartfelt engagement have woven a tapestry of hope and belonging within our walls.
For over 15 years, Grace Church has been a steadfast presence at HALO, initially inspired by the community-wide REST program, where local churches provided overnight shelter. When HALO transitioned to its current facility, Grace Church's dedication never wavered; in fact, their involvement deepened.
What began as a monthly commitment has now expanded to twice a month, with Grace Church volunteers arriving every first and third Sunday before 5 PM. These aren't just meal services; they are vibrant evenings of connection and community. Dr. Paul Durbin describes how approximately 15-20 volunteers from Grace Church arrive to cook and serve a warm meal. Beyond the food, they bring a holistic approach to care:
Music and Fellowship
Volunteers engage in conversation and interaction, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
Spiritual Nourishment
After dinner, evenings include singing worship songs with song sheets, a message from the Bible using the Scripture reading from the Sunday morning service. Different speakers share a 15-minute “sermon” emphasizing the gospel, providing encouragement and spiritual reflection.
Engaging Activities for Children
While adults participate in the worship service, children are lovingly engaged in a side room with Bible-themed crafts, ensuring their spiritual and creative needs are met.
Continued Prayer
Prayer requests are collected and brought back to Grace Church, extending the support beyond HALO's walls.
The relationship between Grace Church and HALO residents extends far beyond these bi-monthly visits. Every Sunday morning, a van from Grace Church picks up 8-10 individuals currently living at HALO, bringing them to their church service. This vital transportation service also extends to those in community housing who previously resided at HALO, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to continuity of care and relationship-building.
The impact of this consistent relationship is profound. Dr. Durbin proudly shares how some individuals who once relied on HALO's services and attended Grace Church have since been baptized and become members of the church. Even more remarkably, they then step up to become volunteers themselves, giving back to the community that supported them.
Grace Church's partnership with HALO is a beautiful testament to the power of sustained community engagement. Their dedication not only provides essential nourishment and spiritual solace but also builds bridges of connection, fosters personal growth, and creates a true sense of belonging. We are profoundly grateful for their unwavering commitment and the profound difference they make in the lives of so many.
Join Us in Making a Difference!
Inspired by the incredible impact of partners like Grace Church? HALO is always seeking more churches, community groups, and organizations to join us in serving our Racine neighbors experiencing homelessness. Whether it's providing meals, organizing activities, or offering companionship, your consistent presence can bring hope and stability.
If your organization or family is interested in cooking, or purchasing and serving a meal for the residents of HALO, please contact Darlene Langdon at dlangdon@haloinc.org.
