Christ Church Outreach News: August 11, 2022
LEMS Partnership: We're Almost There! - Tuesday, August 16
Thanks to all of you who have helped us get the Lake Elkhorn Middle School Partnership off to a great start this summer. The bags are all stuffed (thank you!) and now there's one final step before the students to put these items into action. If you can, please meet us at the church this Tuesday, August 16th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. to deliver the supplies to Lake Elkhorn Middle School. We are also in need of a truck or van to transport the supplies and people who are able to load and unload heavy boxes, so if you can help in any way, please let us know. If you have questions about our LEMS partnership, need info on how to donate to LEMS, or can help us on August 16th, please email us at info@christchurchcolumbia.org.
Help End Homelessness by Getting Outdoors and Having Fun at a Golf Tournament to Benefit Bridges to Housing Stability
Advocating for affordable housing and helping individuals and families who struggle to keep a roof over their heads is the mission of Bridges to Housing Stability. It’s a daunting task, but the nonprofit organization is offering a new activity to lure supporters to the cause. And the event gives participants a way to get fit and enjoy being outdoors.
On Friday, Sept. 23, Bridges will hold the Sheehy Toyota Bridges for Birdies Golf Tournament at The Timbers of Troy, 6100 Marshalee Dr., Elkridge, MD. The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. and features a full day of golf, food, and awards. Bridges said the field was nearly 50 percent sold out at the end of July and urged would-be participants to register.
The cost for a single golfer is $150, which covers greens fees, unlimited range balls, food, and two beverages. A foursome costs $600. Sponsorships also remain available at various cost levels; please spread the word among Howard County businesses.
The cause is a crucial one. The housing crisis is worsening nationally and in Howard County, according to an update by Bridges Executive Director Jen Broderick in a July newsletter. Renters are now reporting large rent increases of as much as $400 a month. “At Bridges, we have experienced a surge in phone calls from residents seeking housing assistance, and calls to the Grassroots Crisis Line are spiking as well. In addition, the Sheriff’s Department reports rising levels of court filings for delinquent rent (the first step in the eviction process),” she wrote.
Christ Church has a warm relationship as a supporter of Bridges, starting with our participation in a countywide chili cook-off in 2019. At the Chili & Challenge virtual fundraiser held in 2020, Christ Church won a Silver Ladle Award. Then, at the 2021 Chili & Challenge, we won gold. The relationship began at the urging of parishioner Jim Collins, who is among those “Heroes for Housing” who were honored earlier this year by Bridges.
At the July Outreach meeting, members approved sending $1,000 to Bridges for its Help End Homelessness Howard County (HEHHC) program. HEHHC involves ownership of five rental homes in a program that has served 10 families. It’s described online in Bridges’ June newsletter and by Broderick in a 6-minute video on YouTube.
Funds were derived from a parishioner’s donation to Christ Church and earmarked for Bridges. For a list of organizations that are supported through the Outreach Commission, such as Bridges and the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, and how to contribute, please contact outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org.
Columbia Community Care Requests Diapers, Personal Care Items
At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to continue supporting the all-volunteer organization, Columbia Community Care (CCC). Please collect diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Put them in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday. Our representative is Violet Smith, who takes parishioners’ donated items to a CCC site for distribution on Saturdays. Updated information about distribution can be found on the CCC Group on Facebook.
Donate Toiletries, Cleaning Supplies for FISH in its Yellow Bin
Organizers for FISH of Howard County are continuing to ask for cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill its shopping lists. The yellow bin is between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. Thanks for your contributions to our neighbors in need.
In general, if you have suggestions about ways to help the community, if you want to get involved, or if you need assistance, please email Christ Church Outreach at outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. Your help is greatly welcomed and appreciated. Thank you.
