Help PMC Sleep-Over Program

When the wind-chill reaches 0 degrees our Center is open overnight to accommodate our unsheltered citizens. We have been open as needed through January, and the forecast indicates that we will be open through the balance of February.

The cost to operate overnight, beyond our scheduled day program, is not covered in our budget.

We invite you to sponsor one (or multiple) overnight guest(s), or an entire overnight so that we keep our shelter available for the duration.

Sponsor a guest for $20 per person per night.
Sponsor an entire overnight for $300.

You may write a check to PMC Overnight   P.O. Box 1105  Hudson Ohio 44236.

Your financial assistance is greatly appreciated  (We operate without government or foundation funding; all our costs are met through individual and organization contributions).

Interview with Joe May

  EXCERPT FROM akronlife magazine February, 2015

An interview by Abby Cymerman with Joe May [founder, The Peter Maurin Center of Akron].

I am sharing a portion of this article because Abby’s interview asked four pertinent questions that reflect the need for public understanding of the plight of the homeless in our community.

What is the true state of homelessness in Summit County?

JM:  The state of homelessness in Summit County is complex. Perhaps it can best be described in segments, which is consistent with most cities across the country.

Most noticeable are the homeless the public sees on the city streets: some with signage seeking assistance; some staying warm during the day in libraries and bus stations; some riding bikes or walking to and from food sources; and some standing outside a temporary-employment office.

Much less noticeable are the tented homeless who take up residence in vacant wooded areas. For the most part, they are marginal survivalist. Some become adept at caring for themselves; others are in desperate need of help to survive – particularly in the dead of winter.

Other among the noticeable are the squatters. These homeless move about finding shelter in vacant houses or commercial buildings.

Transient homeless (versus long-term or chronic) rent day-to-day or week-to-week. On any given day, they face eviction. Some are found sleeping in their car while seeking their next shelter.

If you want numbers, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development required a biannual point-in-time homeless count in order for Continuums of Care, located by county, to be eligible for Federal funding.

The “Point-in Time” survey conducted in 2010 indicated there were approximately 875 homeless.  From the experience of those working directly with homeless, the number in the Greater Akron area is estimated at more than 1,100 people and more than 100 tented citizens.  To our knowledge, this has not been conducted in the last two or three years in Summit County.

When it comes to our community’s homeless, what can we as Akronites do to help?

JM: The public in general see the homeless on the city streets but lack understanding of the stories behind what they see. As a result, they are referred to as beggar, bum, panhandler and “Why don’t they get a job!”

Those who share their God-given talents and their time to provide assistance see the face of Christ in all who are in need.  We live by the (paraphrased) Matthew 25 scripture in which Jesus instructs us:  What so ever you do unto the least … you do unto me”. The Greeks of old put it well, “People in need are the ambassadors of the gods.”

What the Akron public can do to help is to become involved, beginning with an understanding of who the homeless are.  What has caused them to become unsheltered, and what are their needs?

There are many ways to begin:  Get active in your church social concerns group, research online the plight of the homeless and discover the inhumane, as well as the compassionate, treatment by cities across the country.

The next step is to reach out to any number of well-established organizations that minister to the immediate needs of the homeless, and those organizations that seek long-term solutions.  Volunteer with organizations, such as the Peter Maurin Center, and go prepared to share your God-given talents rather than going to “serve”.  The distinction between the two terms is that of dignity.  Go prepared to share the most effective talent: listening.  I remember the saying:    “I never learn anything when I’m talking”.

Who is welcome at the center?

JM:  Anyone who walks through our doors is welcomed. If they don’t stay long, they most likely are not in need.  Our mission is to nurture the body, mind and soul.  On rare occasions, we must ask a guest to leave if he or she is causing a disturbance.  However, each is invited back to the entrance at any time for a meal

How can people volunteer their time?

JM:  Volunteers are welcome to drop in anytime we’re open:  Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m.  Simply introduce yourself and state your interest in volunteering.  Our many volunteers, each in his or her own right, will attest to the joy in each of their lives having been given the opportunity to share with others in need at PMC.

[Full article available on TWITTER or obtain the magazine]

Joe May

Four Ways to Help the Homeless

The following is an excerpt from an article entitled How to Help the Homeless,  by Mary Fairchild,  Christianity. http://christianity.about.com/od/faithinaction/qt/homeless.htm

Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in ... etc.  If your heart has been gripped by the needs of the hungry, thirsty, strangers on the streets, here are four effective ways to help the homeless in your community.

1) Volunteer

The most productive way to get started helping the homeless is to join forces with a well-established operation. As a volunteer you will learn from those who are already making a difference, rather than repeating the mistakes of well-meaning but misguided novices.

 A good place to start volunteering is at your local church. If your congregation doesn't have a homeless ministry, find a reputable organization in your city and invite church members to join you and your family in serving. [The Peter Maurin Center welcomes volunteer inquiries].

2) Respect

One of the best ways to help a homeless person is to show them respect. As you look into their eyes, talk to them with genuine interest, and recognize their value as an individual, you will give them a sense of dignity that they rarely experience. While it's wise to exercise caution and take measures to ensure your personal safety when ministering to the homeless, by identifying with the real person behind the face on the streets, your ministry will be much more effective and rewarding.

3) Give

Giving is another great way to help, however, unless the Lord directs you, don't give money directly to the homeless. Cash gifts are often used to buy drugs and alcohol. Instead, make your donations to a well-known, reputable organization in your community. Many shelters and soup kitchens also welcome contributions of food, clothing and other supplies.

4) Pray

Lastly, prayer is  one of the easiest and most positive ways you can help the homeless. Because of the harshness of their lives, many homeless people are crushed in spirit. But Psalm 34:17-18 says, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."   God can use your prayers to bring deliverance and healing to broken lives.