Mission of Hope Shelter

Dear Friends & Partners of Mission of Hope,

As many of you know, our new web site was currently under construction when the Flood of 2008 hit. Now, the web site is being monitored even less than usual. Available staff & volunteers are busy providing flood relief to those displaced from their homes, as well as workers from out of town who are here to help us pick up the pieces from this devastation.

Mission of Hope is providing food, clothing and other resources to those in need. Since the Flood, we have extended our hours from 9 am-midnight every day of the week. The Mission has gone from serving four meals a week to 14 meals a week. We have also begun to house flood victims and workers overnight in our sanctuary. As you can imagine, the Mission is a very busy place, and we are honored God is using us to meet people's needs.

Immediate needs (as of 7/14/08):

volunteers to work throughout the week ; duties may include assisting clients, answering the telephone, receiving incoming donations, sorting & organizing food & clothes, helping in the kitchen, cleaning, and supervising residents (during overnight shifts); available shifts include:

9 am - 1 pm
1 pm - 5 pm
5 pm - 9 pm
9 pm - midnight
midnight - 8 am

volunteers to prepare home cooked meals for 100 people for lunch and 100 people for supper every day of the week (except for Saturday & Sunday supper meals); please call the Mission at 319-362-5559 for schedule & availability

men's jeans, any size (no other clothing donations at this time, please)
men's tennis shoes - new or used in good condition
non-perishable food items
coffee (not decaffeinated, please)
Styrofoam divider plates

If you can help with any of these needs, please stop by the Mission between 9 am & midnight any day of the week, or call us at 319-362-5559. We'll be happy to hear from you!

Finally, this tragedy has provided many more opportunities to serve & help others, but it has also placed a heavy financial burden on the Mission's budget, particularly since many of the other area non-profit agencies that do so much to serve our community were directly affected by the Flood.

Mission of Hope is in need of your financial support. With your help, Mission of Hope can continue to stay current with our increased operations during the challenging months ahead. You may send your tax-deductible cash donation to:

Mission of Hope
1537-1st Ave SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-5123

Thank you for your support & your patience. In some way or another, everyone has been affected by the Flood of 2008. May you be blessed in your giving & in your service to Him.

Serving Him together,

Rev. Barbara R. Furman, Founder & Director
& Mission of Hope Board of Directors

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OUR VISION
To offer a Christ-centered ministry 24 hours a day, seven days a week to meet
the physical, emotional & spiritual needs of former offenders and others in need.

* At Mission of Hope we believe in giving people the best. So many of the people we serve have been given "the leftovers" all their lives. That's why we offer fresh-baked cookies after each worship service, hot homemade meals at our Shelter, a clean & inviting atmosphere, and nice (and often new) clothes in our emergency closet ... These are all ways we show people we care, that they have value, and that they are loved - by us and by God.

* At Mission of Hope we believe in giving people second chances. Just as God never gives up on us, we never give up on people and always welcome them back.

* At Mission of Hope we believe in loving people where they are. It doesn't matter where people have been, what they have done, or what they continue to do, we love them anyway. Through this unconditional love. we build relationship and trust. Through relationship and trust, hearts are open to change.

* At Mission of Hope we believe in partnering with the local church. Without the support of the local church and the community, we cannot do this work. We believe God calls us together to make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters.