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C.A.R.I.T.A.S. - a community-based organization which enables member congregations to provide shelter and hospitality to persons who are homeless in the Richmond metropolital area. Previously a winter program starting in October and running through May, beginning in 2002, C.A.R.I.T.A.S. now provides a year-round program. 

• In 2002, the program provided over 33,000 nights of shelter to 1300  different men, women, and children by 13,000 volunteers and 150 congregations, school groups, businesses, medical organizations, and scouting groups ---split almost evenly between the City of Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield Counties. 
• This makes the C.A.R.I.T.A.S. system the largest homeless shelter in central Virginia. Yet C.A.R.I.T.A.S. had to turn people away over 2000 times to sleep under bridges or in empty buildings.
• The average length of stay in C.A.R.I.T.A.S. is 28 days.
• Contrary to popular belief, most of these homeless people have jobs, but are not able to afford housing at this time. They are working to better themselves or are looking for work trying hard to get back on their feet.

C.A.R.I.T.A.S. comes to SPC this March 12 - 19, 2005

Last year than 200 SPC members help with this Christian ministry to some of Richmond's destitute. This year we will host approximately 40 homeless guests for the evenings/ nights starting Saturday, March 12 and ending Saturday, March 19. We will provide sleeping facilities, breakfast, bag lunches, a hot dinner, and an evening snack for each day of the week. C.A.R.I.T.A.S. boxes are placed throughout the church beginning in February. 

Contact Alan and Barg Unger <asunger@gateway.net> (794-8154) to offer your support and your help with: 

Spending the night (in teams of 2)
Helping with breakfast items
Preparation of bag lunches (12-14 lunches)
Provisions of Snacks (one night)
Financial Support (by check)

The following donation items are needed (clothing clean and in good condition, please). They may be deposited in boxes in Narthex and the Activity Building:

towels toothpaste toothbrushes toothpaste shampoo deodorant

shaving cream disposable razors wash cloths warm clothing (men & women) socks (large demand)

men's work boots Bibles for guests to keep Daily Newspapers magazines playing cards

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Contact the church office by phone at 794-5311 
or by email at info@salisburypc.org