The Rev. Dr. Betsy Hess of St. Barnabas in Berlin, NH shares this update about a warming center they opened at the church late last year:
“Last year we got a Reconciliation grant to assist people who were just over the cutoff to receive fuel assistance. This summer I was thinking about applying for that again. Then I realized almost everyone in our whole area will be really challenged this winter for heat, given the rate hikes for fuel oil and electricity. Needless to say, paying for fuel at the church is also a stretch for us. It occurred to me that it would be more effective to get funds for a central location where everyone could come to enjoy 70 degree heat, instead of huddling under blankets at home.
St. Barnabas only has about 20 active members, but we have a great building which is reasonably heat efficient, and has a lovely undercroft complete with a city certified kitchen. Offering our space could be a way we could do outreach, even though we are few in numbers. Initially, most of our members were fearful that it was too much for us to manage. So I preached on it, reminding them that we have "stored up treasure" in our building, our ability to get grants due to a good reputation from our success with former grants, and our reputation in the community as a place that is very kind to everyone. All of us decided to take the leap of faith.
I read an article from a priest in the midwest who set up a community center at his church. His first advice was "Don't try to do this alone." So I called around to local service agencies and clergy to see if they thought our plan was feasible and if they would like to collaborate. Everyone was really enthusiastic. We had our first organizing meeting a week ago, and are planning as quickly as we can. People from about 10 organizations/agencies/churches came, even though they had short notice (I got COVID, which wiped out a week when I should have been setting up the meeting. )
Through informally mentioning the program to people, as well as getting grants from the Reconciliation Committee and the Tillotson fund, we have raised $10,000 to cover costs!
Everyone saw this as a crucial need. Equally important, they appreciated the benefit of collaborating. It turns out the agencies are looking for ways to make contact with people who could use their services, the high school and our local community college have a need for students to have real life experience in various programs (Social Services, Kitchen Science, etc.), the Police are trying to increase their community relations, and the churches really want to help people but, like us, can't swing it by themselves. Everyone has been struggling to fulfill their mission. Too much has been going on in silos! I'm hoping that this project can be the beginning of more collaboration in the future.”