Kids & Family
Fountain Valley Ministry Provides Showers, Haircuts for Homeless
The Welcome Home program has a need for about 600 pounds of food each week, and those clients who come to eat and clean up sometimes number close to 100.
A homeless ministry at Fountain Valley United Methodist Church goes well beyond simply feeding those less fortunate.
For more than 15 years, a group of volunteers have operated the Welcome Home ministry which provides services that homeless people might not always have access to, like haircuts, hot showers, and even laundry service.
"This is where I was called," Sylvia Stambol told the Orange County Register. "I left for a little bit, but I came back because God told me, 'This is where I want you.'"
Stambol and her husband, John, were two of the original members of the group, who continue to feed and show love to the homeless on Saturday mornings.
The Welcome Home program, according to the paper, has a need for about 600 pounds of food each week, and those clients who come to eat and clean up sometimes number close to 100.
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Those at the church see their efforts as merely a way to show God's love to others.
At a recent service, Rev. Anthony Boger, associate pastor of the church told those in attendance: "The reason you're here is – get this – we love you. My commitment today is that we love one another," according to the newspaper.
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Still, there are a few rules that attendees must follow, including no profanity, drugs or alcohol, no fighting, and all must attend the 9 a.m. Bible reading before services are offered.
If you would like to get involved in the ministry, contact Lee Selby at the church at 714-962-2593, fountainvalleyumc@verizon.net or visit fountainvalleyumc.org.
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