This is a picture of Stephen and me at one of six weddings we celebrated this year, the wedding of Stephany and Jeff.   We have been blessed with an abundance of love and relatedness.  Traveling to see loved ones and celebrating from afar have been highlights for us.  We are always so glad to be home after being away.

For homeless people in New Mexico, these blessings, travel and homecomings, are out of reach.  In Bernalillo County alone, over 1,000 men seek shelter every night.  Albuquerque Opportunity Center, a program of the Metropolitan Homelessness Project provides 74 year-round emergency night shelter beds that are available for homeless men. In 4 years of operations, AOC has provided almost 40,000 nights of shelter to 1300 men, 30% of whom exit into safe, affordable housing.  Additionally, the organization operates a transitional housing program for veterans, provides respite care, and offers free voice mail service for anyone in need throughout the city.

For the past few years, my church (Shepherd of the Valley) supported Metropolitan Homelessness Project financially.  This year we plan to further our involvement with this valuable mission by hosting our very own Sleep Out.  I plan to sleep outside October 17 to raise funds for MHP and promote awareness of homelessness.  And Stephen and the kids are joining me.  I can't think of a better way to teach and show my children that they are blessed with so many things, yet there are those who are in great need.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

To find out more about the Metropolitan Homeless Project, visit their website at http://www.mhp-nm.org/.

 

Thanks, and much love, Lisa