Homeless not forgotten on Easter weekend

Easter dawned for Kansas City’s homeless, too, as local churches volunteer for special outreach services organized through City Union Mission.

“As we celebrate the miracle of Easter, we are so thankful for the support of community partners who give our guests the opportunity to experience their own miraculous transformations,” says Chief Executive Officer Dr. Terry Megli. “Because of the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we are all given the chance for a fresh start, forgiveness of sin, and a life filled with God’s blessings.”

For Easter Sunday, Antioch Baptist Church volunteers arrived as early as 4 a.m. at the Mission’s Men’s Center. The men enjoyed a sunrise service at 6:30 a.m., featuring incredible music and a presentation of the Gospel. At 7:30 a.m., volunteers served a special breakfast to the men.  The church also provided breakfast at the Women & Family Center this morning.

Megli hopes Mission friends and partners will remember those who are lost and hurting. “Just as Christ overcame death, the guests of the Mission need our help to overcome physical and spiritual death,” Megli said. “Many have felt the pain and despair of losing everything. The struggle with hunger, poverty, addiction and homelessness. They haven’t found a way to break free of the destructive habits that have taken over their lives. Yet because of the glorious message of rebirth at Easter, everyone who enters our doors can find hope for a new beginning.”

Thanks to the financial support of generous friends, the Mission is a place of hope and lasting transformation for hundreds of men, women and children each year. Megli says donations are especially critical right now as the need for shelter – especially among homeless families – continues to increase in the community. Donations can be made online at cityunionmission.org.  Lists of urgent needs, volunteer opportunities and information on their year-round programs and services can also be found on the Mission’s website.

–Metro Voice