Like elsewhere in the U.S., the city of New Orleans has experienced a rise in homelessness. The reasons for this growing population are vast, not just limited to loss of jobs, mental illness and substance abuse. While governmental agencies attempt to address the problem, their solutions are not a one-size-fits-all. Organizations and area churches have risen to fill in the gaps with food, clothing, and temporary housing, but more importantly, to touch the lives of this community with compassion and love.
In 2008, First Presbyterian Church of New Orleans created the Program of Hope to respond to the needs of the people in our neighborhood who are without permanent housing. This is a holistic ministry made up of volunteers, some of whom are or have been the very clients we serve. Every Wednesday morning, the sanctuary is open from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Our guests are greeted with coffee and invited to sit and rest for awhile. We begin the Program with a short devotion and prayer, after which our clients may explore the resources we offer:
- Vouchers for a one-night stay at the Salvation Army*
- A one-day unlimited use RTA bus pass
- A lunch of sandwich, snacks, fruit and water*
- An offering of toiletries*
- An offering of clothing*
Prior to the Covid pandemic, we were serving between 80 and 100 clients per week. As restrictions have increasingly lifted, we are averaging 55 clients and continue to see a weekly increase. Program of Hope operates solely upon donations and fundraisers such as the annual sale of pumpkins in October. You can support the Program of Hope by donating toiletries or with a financial contribution made directly to First Presbyterian Church of New Orleans (click on the Program of Hope button on the right side of the home page to donate).
The Program of Hope is open to all. Come in need. Come to serve.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…Matthew 25:35.
*Area churches supporting the Program of Hope with lunches are Lakeview Presbyterian, Saint Charles Avenue Presbyterian, John Calvin Presbyterian, and Parkway Presbyterian. The cost of a Salvation Army voucher is $10.00. A one-day Jazzy pass costs $3.00 or $0.80 for seniors over the age of 65 or those qualifying for disability. Toiletries are donated and may include travel size soaps, shampoos, lotions, razors, deodorant, laundry detergent, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair combs and like offerings.
