McPherson Square Homeless Outreach: Information for Volunteers
We've gathered at McPherson Square Park, Washington DC, to share the Gospel on Sundays since May of 2002 (actually, we've been at it since before then. That's just when we noticed a "streak"!) We've preached in sun, rain, snow, sleet, even hail! We meet at 2:00 PM on two Sunday afternoons out of each month. The meeting place is McPherson Square Park. Here is what is happens:
THE MESSAGE
One of our leaders delivers a message from the Bible to begin the outreach. Before the message is delivered, we go around the park to invite people to come and listen, and to enjoy the meal served afterward. As the message is delivered, the homeless gather to hear the message and form a line for the meal. While the message is being given, all volunteers should gather round and pay attention to the speaker.
THE MEAL
After the message, the homeless will be in line for the meal. We use a ticket system to ensure that everyone gets at least one full plate of food and to discourage opportunistic individuals from getting more than one plate while others go hungry. Generally, no individual should get a meal unless they have stood in line and have had their ticket marked. In other words, don’t serve food to someone who just approaches the table unless the person marking tickets, who serves as a “bouncer”, lets you know to make an exception (e.g. elderly women, persons in wheelchairs).
CLOTHES DISTRIBUTION
We hand out clothes after the meal. No one should hand out clothes alone, unless he or she has articles of clothing specifically earmarked for a certain person or persons. There should always be at least one brother involved in handing out large quantities of clothing.
PRAYER
Perhaps the greatest need for the Street Homeless Ministry is for co-laborers, brothers and sisters in Christ, to talk to and pray with individual homeless men and women. Angels rejoice in heaven when just one of these persons believes and trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, we place infinite value on each individual, no matter the appearance or demeanor. Sisters should not go out to talk or pray with a homeless man whom they don’t know without at least one other sister. We encourage fostering relationships but caution is necessary at first.
CHALLENGES
We see spiritual battle occurring almost every week in one form or another. Occasionally, a homeless person is disruptive or hostile. We look to Scripture for guidance in these instances. When they happen, pray to God for protection and deliverance, and love the offender unconditionally. We love the people, the souls, and hate the evil.
"THE LIVING WATER MINUTE"
Ryan George, one of our ministry's Directors, has been keeping a journal of activities at our Homeless Outreach. Click here to read some highlights.
DIRECTIONS TO MCPHERSON SQUARE PARK
FROM THE BELTWAY IN VIRGINIA
From the Beltway (495), take 66 east toward Washington. Cross the Roosevelt Bridge onto Constitution Avenue. From Constitution, turn left onto 15th Street. Proceed on 15th Street until you pass I ("Eye") Street. McPherson Square is on the left.
FROM MARYLAND
From Georgia Ave., take 16th Street south into Washington until you get to K Street. McPherson Square is on the left.
or
Take Connecticut Ave. into Washington. Make a left onto K Street. Proceed on K until you get to 16th Street. McPherson Square is on the right.
BY METRO (SUBWAY)
Take the Orange or Blue line to the McPherson Square stop. Exit the subway station using the “Vermont Ave/White House” exit. McPherson Square park is across the street and to the right.
FOR MORE INFORMATION...
Check out highlights from our online journal to read about the kinds of things we regularly do at our Homeless Outreach. If you would like more information about becoming a volunteer or making a donation, simply send us an e-mail. To make a donation now, click here.