The homelessness problem is great in Owensboro and only growing.  St. Benedicts has a desperate need this holiday season and here is how we can all help!Bed sponsors are critical for St. Benedict’s daily operations, future, residents, and to continuously meet the needs of the men served each night.

This year the shelter has aided 460 different men with shelter, laundry services, hot meals, and a warm bed. They have also provided these men with life skills classes, opened 2 transitional houses and 1 Veterans transitional house.

The shelter strives to be a keystone to helping those with mental illness get the services they need through community partners.  Assistance has been provided to 64 men into long term substance abuse programs, 48 into permanent housing, 10 transition into independence, helping others reunite with family, and assisted in obtaining medications, personal documents, and many other things that may pose as a barrier to independence.

This would never be possible without bed sponsors. Harry Pedigo, Executive Director of St. Benedits would like to thank all that have sponsored a bed, shared needs in the past on sponsorship, prayed for the ministry, and that will sponsor a bed this year. As an organization that operates on a budget primarily of donations and fundraisers, they need bed sponsors to achieve any of the above.

As you go through this holiday season consider sponsoring a bed, it’s only $500 a year. Sponsorships can be made at stbenedictsowensboro.org/donate, by calling 270-541-1003, or by mailing a check to 1001 west 7th street, Owensboro, KY. Please know that you can designate an honoree to be recognized on a plaque in the shelter(this shows the men people stand behind them), it is tax deductible, and rest assure your funds will be used to maximize services and serve God's people.

Maybe you aren't able to be a bed sponsor, here are items that are always needed at the shelter.  Next time you go to the store pick some up!

    • Cleaning Supplies
    • Razors
    • Coffee
    • Soap
    • Socks
    • Gloves
    • White Towls
    • White Twin Sheets
    • Turkeys/Hams for Holidays

I speak from personal experience and say that St. Benedict's and the men there are near and dear to Joe and I, as Joe is the former director of the shelter.  It is so much more for us.  When we walk in the doors the guys greet us with hugs and smiles, and ask how our kids are doing.  They genuinely love us and we love them right back.

I challenge you if you are reading this to take the time to visit the shelter, volunteer, and even become a bed sponsor.  What a beautiful thing to know you helped the less fortunate.  I have been blessed in my life by those that helped me when I needed it.

May God Bless Each of you this holiday season!

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