Support For The Homeless
As disciples of Christ, we are called to be of service to all, especially the homeless. The mission of the My Brother’s Keeper ministry is to make access to food easier for the homeless and to provide temporary shelter, bikes for transportation and other basic needs in Cobb County.
It all began with a candle in the fall of 2011…Billy, a homeless man, was asked, “What happens when your candle goes out?” He replied, “The rats come.” My Brother’s Keeper Ministry was formed. ”
We are asking for your donations to help our ministry to the homeless. We provide filled backpacks for homeless veterans, bike program, mobile pantry, warm lunches, Good Samaritan Backpacks, temporary shelter for homeless veterans, women, children and elderly in the Cobb area.
We are called to unconditionally love our brothers and sisters in Christ; to see them with Christ’s eyes and not society’s; to believe that they are someone of value Because God has created and loves them. Please give generously. Thank you for your support.
What we do
Mobile Food Pantry
Distribute bagged groceries, hygiene kits, candles, blankets and other items.
“Pantry Day” is the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
Bike Program
Provides men’s bikes (new and gently used), helments, reflective vests and locks.
Due to the limits of cost of public transportation the homeless walk miles everyday.
Contact us if you have a bike to donate. We repair or stores bikes as needed.
If you can repair or store bikes, please let us know.
Love in a Lunch
We provide and serve lunches each Wednesday for the homeless.
All are invited to cook or serve.
Make it a group project or with friends and neighbors.
Candles
Distribute candles to the homeless who use them for light, heat and rodent determent.
Donations of new or gently used candles can be left in our “Candle Box the narthex or at the parish office.
Backpacks
Provide homeless veterans in our area with backpacks filled with items (t-shirts, undergarments, flashlights, hand warmers, hygiene items, hats, gloves, etc.).
Every November we pack and deliver over 125 backpacks.
Virtus Training
Volunteers must complete a safe environment class due to our work with vulnerable individuals.
Good Samaritan Bags
Twice a year, we invite you to help distribute Good Samaritan Bags—simple care packages that bring comfort and dignity to our brothers and sisters in need.
How it works:
- My Brother’s Keeper ministry prepares bags filled with basic supplies for the homeless.
- Parishioners are asked to carry a bag with them and share it when they encounter someone in need.
- Please include a $10 food gift card in your bag.
Want to make your own Good Samaritan Bags?
You’re welcome to assemble a bag yourself. Here’s a list of suggested items to include. (PDF)
Be a good Samaritan to our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
Volunteers with My Brother’s Keeper, a St. Ann’s ministry to the homeless, unload the cargo – coffee, tea, hot chocolate, snacks, hats, underwear and more – and set it out on tables so those who live outside have the dignity of shopping. It’s just one part of a multifaceted approach to ministering to some of the most vulnerable among us.
Access for all: Ministry removes barriers to basic needs
“When I think that it started with collecting candles for the homeless and has grown into this,” said MBK leader Pat Eddlemon, “I smile and hope that God is smiling.”
Indeed, the program that started with candles to keep rats from nibbling on the human beings now includes not only groceries, but bikes, veteran backpacks, shelter, home-cooked lunches for 100 weekly, shelter and good samaritan bags stuffed with necessities that parishioners can hand out on their own time.
“I must say that it has changed my life,” said Deacon Tom Badger, who worked with MBK since the early days. “I feel so blessed to be able to work with the homeless, God’s special people.”
Because many homeless people don’t have transportation, bikes are especially coveted. Parishioner Bob Hodges drives all over Georgia following up leads on gently used bike donations.
“The love and gratitude I received was incredible,” he said, “and the homeless got transportation that can help them find jobs, medical care and food.”
If you want to help this life-changing ministry, My Brother’s Keeper needs:
- Home-cooked meals every Wednesday.
- Saturday Pantry Day Volunteers.
- Bike Repairers.
- Drivers for our new MBK trailer on Saturdays.
- Donate to My Brothers Keeper.
Contact
Pat Eddlemon (Ministry Leader)
mybrotherskeeper.stann@gmail.com
404-285-0605
Bike program
Bob Hodges
hodgesoc@gmail.com
770-722-0474
Good Samaritan bags
Bryan Anderson
bandersonga89@gmail.com
770-310-6046
Drives/Donations
Barbara McLoughlin
bhmcloughlin@gmail.com
631-921-8267
Veteran Backpacks
Karen Miller
k.b.miller@yahoo.com
678-429-2787
Communication/New Volunteers
jsovitch1@gmail.com
770-596-3013
Make a Donation to My Brother’s Keeper
To make a financial gift to My Brother’s Keeper, please click the “Make a donation” button. From there, you will be taken to the St. Ann Giving page. Select “Special Donations” and scroll to the Fund “My Brother’s Keeper” from the drop down menu. Thank you for your generosity.