From the Parish Mailbox

Hello,

My name is Ivana Washington. I attended UNC-Chapel Hill from 1992 to 1994. If I am not mistaken, you have a little chapel . . . . One of the doors to the chapel would always be open - just a little bit. I walked past and walked past and walked past the little chapel with the open door. Finally I walked through the door. I needed Jesus and he was there.

Just because people walk past the door it does not mean that the Lord has not told them to walk through it. Thank you for the open door.

Ivana Washington

August 20, 2004

Dear Steve, Sandra, Frank, Bob and Volunteers,

There has been an abundance of good will and deeds provided to our homeless population during the current shelter/kitchen relocation at local congregations. The response by our hosts and supporting organizations has amazed everyone at IFC. The outpouring of care, resources, and volunteers has been phenomenal. Inter-Faith Council sends you, your organizers, and all of your volunteers a very special thank you for making this journey possible.

Steve, Sandra, Frank, Bob and volunteers, you finished your host experience on Saturday, July 31. Now that we are at University Presbyterian Church, we want [you] to know that you will never be forgotten. Our staff continually commented about your wonderful volunteers who served our homeless men well. Ted's editorial about what he learned as a volunteer helped to dispel many of the stereotypes about the homeless. We thank everyone who participated and hope that Chapel of the Cross volunteers will continue to work with us at Community House once we return in September. Upon our return, our hope is that congregations will continue to rotate their volunteers at our downtown facility in similar ways. Our Scheduling Coordinator, Colleen Jelley, will be in touch with your congregation leaders soon. The first normal day of operations at Community House will be Saturday, September 11.

You may be aware that the Town of Chapel Hill has found some extra funds to provide some needed changes at Community House. IFC and town representatives have agreed to a 30-day renovation extension so town contractors can do some additional work on the inside of the building (repair walls, cleaning, paint, bathroom partitions, etc.). The IFC Board of Directors has also taken on a special fundraising project to raise more dollars to make our return back home a little more comfortable. The Board is committed to helping staff and volunteers to replace the worn carpet in the dorm rooms with tile and to replace some or all of the window blinds. New beds, mattresses, kitchen chairs, tables, and other furnishings will be purchased with donated funds that have been collected from community groups and congregations.

"He will look with favor on the prayer of the homeless; he will not despise their plea." Chapel of the Cross and our hosts have not forgotten the words echoed in Psalm 102. We are grateful for the use of your facility and your commitment to homeless individuals. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Sincerely,

Chris Moran

Executive Director

cc: Sandra McClaskey, Bob Millikan, and Frank Holt