H.O.P.E. in Action – Wicomico Presbyterian Church
February 2021
“It takes a village…” The complete African proverb is, “it takes a village to raise a child”. It is a beautiful concept based on the thought that a community comes together and interacts with a child to help him/her grow in a safe and healthy environment. Through the years, that concept of community effort being applied to an issue or problem is frequently referred to as, “it takes a village.”
In Salisbury and the surrounding area, the beauty of “it takes a village” is no more evident than when working with multiple agencies to meet the needs of the poor and the homeless. Simply said, it is an amazing thing to witness.
Back in 2003 when H.O.P.E. was just an idea, there were very few agencies available to help people in need. Since then, there have been multiple programs established to help individuals and families move from lost and hopeless to functioning members of our community. For example, H.O.P.E., Inc. works with the City of Salisbury Housing First team, their Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), Tidal Health’s Salisbury/Wicomico Integrated First-care Team (SWIFT), Wicomico County’s Community Outreach Addictions Team (COAT), the Homeless Alliance of the Lower Shore (HALS) and many others who are focused on guiding people to safe and healthy lives.
Just as it takes many people with many talents to create a whole church family or any successful organization, it also takes many agencies to guide the hurting in this community to safety and good health. We are blessed to live in such a warm and giving community that supports the efforts of the many agencies working with the lost, the least, and the last.
H.O.P.E. is pleased to share that a client who has benefitted from all of these agencies, this “village”, is about to get housing for the first time in many years. He has lived in the woods, on people’s couches, and just about anywhere he could find a safe place to sleep. He is still living in a shelter for now, but funding is coming soon to house him. Please join us in keeping him in your prayers. It truly,” takes a village”!
1Corinthians 12:12-31
Donna Clark, RN
Executive Director
