Poverty Task Group

This group addresses the issues of classism, needs of low income people, and disparities related to low income populations. Julie Larson Keller is the group chair. The following project groups are related to the poverty task group.  A signup sheet is available in the Commons if you would like to help out.

Community Food Response

Participate in citywide second-harvest program that rescues excess food. Help by sorting or distributing prepared food to those in need. Ella VanLaningham, Coordinator.
( 2 ½ hr shift on 5th Mon., Wed., Fri. of each month)

Community Food Response, Inc., is a non-profit organization founded in 1993 to meet the growing need of families to have a supplemental source of food. This program focuses on "rescuing" food from hospitals, hotels, restaurants, schools, grocery stores and other resources, and getting this food into the hands of individuals and families that need it. All of the food has been prepared in licensed kitchens, but has not been needed. It would normally be disposed of at the end of the day. Drivers from CFR pick up the food in coolers and return it to our distribution site at the Bethel Lutheran Church. Other volunteers sort the food for distribution and a third group of volunteers distributes it to the clients.

Food is picked up five days per week, and distribution takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Most of the volunteers come from churches or service organizations.

Channel One

The Church maintains a collection barrel for Channel One, the community food shelf, which is kept in the coat room. Congregants are encouraged to pick up an extra item or two for Channel One when they shop and to bring their donation to church on Sundays. Although Channel One is most appreciative of cash donations, we feel it is also important to model charitable giving for our children.

The most requested items at the food shelf are hearty canned goods like tuna fish and beef stew, or Hamburger Helper and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Also in demand are all products that support children, such as diapers and formula. Paper goods such as toilet paper and facial tissue are great because they don't go bad.  Please don't bring expired or opened items, which just have to be thrown out anyway.

Interfaith Hospitality (Homeless) Network - our UU principles in action: affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person

Work with other volunteers to host homeless families at our neighbor church - UCC Congregational Church.
Sandy MacLaughlin and Jeanne Hoecker Coordinators.
We commit as a church to help 4 weeks each year on a rotation with 49 other faith communities.

Do we have Homeless children in Rochester, MN? Sadly, the correct answer is YES.  Over 500 children have received shelter in the last 8 years.

Interested in joining a UU social action opportunity to share time, conversation and/or food with homeless families? If so, then Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Rochester is for you.

IHN helps homeless families (with children under the age of 16) achieve and sustain their independence by providing them with food, shelter and time. Families are given a chance to regroup and stabilize, getting back on their feet with dignity.

The network operates 365 days a year and can house up to 14 people. Host churches put up families overnight in their church facilities for 1 week each quarter. Buddy churches supply volunteers. We serve as a Buddy Church with the UCC Congregational Host Church. Opportunities for service include: AM and PM Van Drivers, Evening Hosts, Overnight Hosts and Evening Meals. Our volunteers range in age from 2 to 80 years. More information with detailed job descriptions is posted in the church commons.

Volunteer Requirements: attend an informational and sensitivity training about IHN and homelessness once every 3 years. Complete the necessary paperwork that includes a Background check and Behavior Policy sign off.

You can find more information about The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Rochester at the IHN website: www.ihn-greater-rochester.org/

Coordinators Needed:  Help expand our coordinator base from 2 to 4 and participate in a meaningful Social Justice Project.  We would like to recruit and train in 2 new coordinators to work with us.  By dividing the 4 Buddy Weeks between 4 coordinators, the work load is shared and more members are given an opportunity to participate.  Sign on now.  This unique opportunity starts immediately.  Contact either Jeanne Hoecker or Sandy MacLaughlin.

2010 Orientations/Trainings:

Wednesday, June 23, 6:30 pm  Our Savior's Lutheran at 2124 Viola Rd NE and includes a meal.  Call Our Saviour's if you wish to join them for a lite meal.

Thursday, July 15, 9:30 am Calvary Episcopal at 3rd Ave & 2nd St SW

IHN UU Church Budy Week 2010 Calendar: June 6-13, 2010; August 15-22, 2010, November 21-28, 2010.

You are invited: IHN Volunteer Picnic  June 22, 2010  5:30 pm  Cooke Park, right across the street from the Day Center.  All former IHN families are also invited.  Please RSVP 281-3122 for food count. The event is family friendly with activitiies planned for children.  Wear your UU t shirts and make our UU presence known as we are the only Interfaith non traditional church active in this Social Justice project.

BOX CITY - October 22 & 23, 2010  An Over-Night Event to Raise $$$ for Homeless Programs in the Greater Rochester Area - join other UU's in a "camp out".

Habitat for Humanity 2010 Interfaith Home Build

What is an Interfaith Build?

An Interfaith Build is an opportunity for faith communities to join together  for the common purpose of building a simple, decent, affordable home in partnership with a family in need.  Participating faith communities help raise money &  provide volunteer labor to build a house along with the partner family.

Our UU Program Council, Social Justice Council and the Poverty Task Group have accepted an invitation from Rochester Area Habitat for Humanity to participate with 25 other faith communities in an Interfaith Home Build.

More details here...

Saturday Noon Meals Project

This group coordinates volunteers to cook and serve meals to the homeless and other needy peole at Christ United Methodist Church.  This is a new program aiming to provide volunteers four times per year.

Roxanne Schlasner, Coordinator