St. James The Apostle Episcopal Church

St. James’ Episcopal, joined by Grace Lutheran, held a Cardboard City Event to raise awareness of the homeless within Montgomery County. Proceeds from the event were donated to Family Promise, a homeless shelter for families which unites faith
communities in a cooperative effort to provide shelter, meals, and resources to transition families in crisis back to self-sufficiency and independence.

As part of the program, participants were served a soup kitchen meal, and took part in a simulation activity which illustrated all the obstacles that homeless families face. Former successful graduate, and now Assistant Director of Family Promise, LaToya Carter, spoke to the gathering about her homelessness in a moving account of her personal experiences. Rev. Phyllis Hartman of St. James’ Episcopal and Dianne Haarmeyer, hosts of the event, were pleased with the turn-out and enthusiasm of those attending. Rev. Gerald Hyche (St. James’ Episcopal) and Rev. Lorin Darst (Grace Lutheran) showed great support for the event, and Rev. Darst even camped out overnight! Family Promise Board President, Leon Virtue, along with Board members Bill Sisco and Joan Blair, as well as Director Linda King, also attended and expressed their gratitude for the volunteers of these two churches, their ministers, and all the participants for their support of the organization. Such an event not only raises much-needed funding, but an awareness of the problem of homelessness our county faces.