Following multiple rounds of conversation and input collected from a wide circle, the following short-term plan was developed for the Haywood Street ministries in response to the coronavirus. We’ll adapt as needed and increase our communications in an effort to keep you informed.
From now through Easter (April 12th):
Haywood Street Respite will stop accepting new referrals and will close completely once Friends currently staying with us have moved out.
Downtown Welcome Table will serve lunch on Wednesdays (beginning March 18) and Saturdays (beginning March 28) and breakfast on Sundays (beginning March 22). All meals will be “to-go” style, with boxes being served from multiple stations around our campus. Starting next week, hours for Wed/Sat lunch will be 10:30 – 1:00. Sunday breakfasts will be 8:30 – 10:00.
Otherwise, our building will remain closed and we are temporarily suspending most other activities on campus including God’s Outfitters Clothes Closet, fresco visitation, haircuts, art and acupuncture. The Steady Collective will have a mobile unit on campus for syringe services on Wednesdays during lunch and other partners may table or offer services onsite alongside our meals.
The following events are postponed, with reschedule dates TBD:
- April companion orientation / information session
- April 7th “Turn the Tables”
- April 30th, “A Seat at the Table”
- May 9th “Imagine…Reprise!”
A NOTE FROM LAURA KIRBY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
I’m thinking of our response in terms of the immediate, short-term plan; a medium term phase, where we can begin adding back elements of hospitality and acting on some of the creative ideas that are beginning to emerge around virtual connections and good ol’ fashioned phone trees to help us stay connected; and the longer term phase. In the long term, there will undoubtedly be new patterns and programs that are introduced during these next few months that allow us to live into our mission even more fully. With gratitude and hope,
A NOTE FROM HANNAH:
Dear Companions,
Thank you for the overwhelming support during this time of adaptation and uncertainty. It is amazing how this community comes together in times of plenty and in times of need. We know that folks over the age of 65 and/or folks with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk of this virus, I cannot make the decision for you but I hope each of you knows that your decision to serve or not serve during this time will be respected and honored. Please do what is best for you and your family and keep in mind that your health is what is best for the greater community. If you are available to help on Wednesdays or Sundays (or potentially added days) moving forward we will be forming teams of 9-12 companions to serve the “to-go” style meals outside. We are also looking for alternate folks to help with food prep and packaging.
We know that many of us are physically isolated at this time, but that does not mean we have to be socially, relationally and emotionally isolated. I am exploring ways for us to connect virtually for companionship, if you have any ideas please feel welcome to share them with me.
1. What we need now: 9 – 12 companions to help serve to-go meals outside TOMORROW March 18, 9:30 – 12:00
2. What we need for the coming weeks:
Sunday team of 9-12 companions (7:30 am – 10 am)
Wednesday team of 9-12 companions (9:30 am- 12 pm)
Saturday team of 9-12 (**beginning March 28)
Prep companions 3 – 5 companions (Tues/Wed, Fri/Sat/Sun)
Virtual fellowship hosts – anyone interested
Please contact me via email if you are available to serve in any of these ways. I am privileged to work alongside each of you. If you are not able to be physically present, please continue to pray for the community and as always feel free to share your creativity to honor and support our call to relationship above all else.
In Peace,
Hannah
In an effort to maintain “relationships above all else” please give us your input and contact information to stay connected during this time of physical isolation.
ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES:
BeLoved will deliver food and supplies. The number to call is (828)-412-2054.
Church of the Advocate will provide a coffee and breakfast snack on Tuesday AM at 9:00 and then a to-go bag lunch on Tuesdays at 10:30. They will also provide a hot to-go meal on Sundays at 2:30.
12 Baskets plans to offer food to go on the Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11-1. It will not be a hot lunch but food that can keep longer. People are encouraged to bring their own containers. They will be allowed to fill up with as much as they need. They are also getting food to the Mission and to local learning centers. On Thursdays at Battery Park during lunch time, they will be getting food to First Congregational UCC to distribute.
AHOPE will stop offering their own food (though possibly MANNA’s?), but provide bathrooms, showers, mail, storage. Their new schedule, starting tomorrow Wednesday, March 18, is 8-12 seven days a week.
Western Carolina Rescue Ministries will be serving lunch and dinner to all who show up, weekdays.
White Duck Taco, Gan Shan West, Biscuithead, Baked Pie Company are all currently offering free lunch for children school days. Visit their social media pages for details and updates.
