Micah Ecumenical Ministries: A Heart for the Homeless

A PROPHET'S CALL

The wealthy coveted land, corrupt business ethics were commonplace, rulers and judges could be bribed, and numerous false prophets prophesied for reward.  Micah, the prophet cries out to Judah for righteousness, "He has showed you, O Man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 1-3 and 6:8)

Micah was an Old Testament prophet who had a rural ministry.  Micah warned against the injustice caused by the rich and testifies that true faith in God results in the doing of social justice. My community profile is about one of this prophet's namesakes in both word and deed.

DO-LOVE-WALK

With these Scriptures tucked in my heart and my mind, I drive to Micah Ecumenical Ministries in the heart of historic downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia.  Nested in historic buildings travelers will find one of a kind owner-operated boutiques, quaint restaurants, as well as the front door of Micah-- a place that deserves to be the source of much community pride.

Micah is a ministry governed by ten interdenominational churches.  This ministry serves the homeless population in Stafford County, Virginia through the Micah Center, The Cold Weather Shelter, and a Respite Service Program.  Micah Ecumenical Ministries got its start in the basement of Trinity Episcopal Church in 2005.  From this basement, the ministry served up to 50 homeless people a day until receiving its current 4,000 square foot historic building in 2008.

Historic Downtown Fredericksburg

In addition to receiving financial and management support from the ten governing churches, Micah is supported by dozens of partners including local businesses, community service agencies, hospitals, medical clinics, community members, and volunteers.


Many of the people serviced by Micah live in tents that Micah distributes.  When the weather drops below 32 degrees, Micah also offers a cold weather shelter for sleeping. Every morning Micah offers a hot breakfast and shower and sack lunch to anyone who arrives at the Micah Center. 

A VISIT TO MICAH CENTER

As I entered the Micah Center at 9:30 A.M., I was not sure what to expect. Comfortable green couches encircle a large reception desk.  Centered above the counter and reflected in the eyes of the staff behind it, is one word-- HOPE.  As the homeless line up, you can sense that for at least a while they ARE home, because this is the place that is home for them.

Micah Welcome Center

As they check in, they collect their green laminated and numbered shower card, granting them their place in line.  While they wait, many of them visit with staff and each other.

Shower Area

Micah's Kitchen

Micah's Dining Area

Smells of bacon and hot coffee drench the air, inviting the Guests into the kitchen for a hot breakfast before or after their showers.Staff members and volunteers are at the ready to provide a variety of services including: job search assistance, case management, and medical services. 


As I look around, I realize that the faces are no different than those I might encounter elsewhere.  It is then that the words of Meghann Cotter, Micah's executive director bubble up to the surface of my consciousness.  She believes that those she serves would consider Micah their family.  What I am witnessing is Micah's vision to DO-LOVE-WALK providing the solid foundation of family that no walls can contain.

I'm given the privilege of talking with members of the Micah family during my visit. Volunteers and Guests alike call Micah a blessing and the local community that offers support, "AMAZING."

The multimedia presentation portion of this blog includes some of the voices that are served by Micah Ecumenical Ministries and the Stafford, Virginia community.  These voices, as well as the voice of the prophet Micah, remind me of my obligation to, Do Justice, Love Kindness, and Walk Humbly. 

YOUR LOVE WALK

I asked Meghann Cotter how others could help.  She asks that each individual honor the call in his or her  own heart to help our fellow man. Micah can always use donations of items such as tents, sleeping bags, batteries, toiletries, underwear, and socks.  Financial contributions are also welcomed and are used in direct service of Micah clients. 

I am reminded how misunderstood the plight of the homeless person is, and how inadequate the collective response in America has been.I have been blessed to see the face of Christ in my community through Micah, and hope that you will join me in fighting homelessness or other social injustice in your own communities.

To help Micah go to:

www.dolovewalk.info/Micah_Ecumenical_Ministries/Give_Help.html

Or contact Micah directly at:

1013 Princess Anne Street

Fredericksburg, VA 22401

(540)-479-4116


To find out more about Historic Downtown Fredericksburg, VA:
http://www.downtownfred.com/


To find out more about homelessness in America:
http://www.nationalhomeless.org/