Prescott: Shepherd’s Office puts dent in homeless population

Homelessness in our area is an increasingly challenging issue.

There are easily 200 roofless individuals in Georgetown alone and an easy 400 such folks in eastern Sussex County, perhaps more.

The Springboard Collaborative Pallet Shelter Village has successfully managed a chunk of this problem, and more such villages are anticipated.

But what about the hundreds more homeless, hungry and lonely who wander our streets ceaselessly now?

I know of one nonprofit organization that really helps: The Shepherd’s Office on North Bedford Street in Georgetown.

It has been plugging away for 10 years now, taking no funding from federal nor state coffers. It near miraculously exists with private donations and a myriad of volunteers.

Named The Shepherd’s Office because the main house was the actual office of the father of founder Eric Bodenweiser, the complex covers three houses owned by Eric. Director Jim Martin has years of background with homeless, roofless, hungry poor in the area, not to mention an endearing smile that welcomes everyone.

Together, they work miracles.

On any day, the porch is loaded with food, fresh and canned, for the taking. Local markets donate most of it. There is no requirement to show identification or financial data. If one is hungry, one can help themselves without begging.

Hot meals are served daily by volunteers who cook and furnish the food. Again, it is a free walk-up for anyone in need.

Some of the homeless individuals have been trained well enough in retail and public relations to manage a “free” garage sale, again open to all. Actually, a number of these men and women have been hired off the lot to work in local stores!

Most live in tents. Many of the tent dwellers are employed. Yes, employed!

There is a peaceful ambiance about the property. It seems to ooze from the walls but is actually the grateful, happy energy emanating from the clients themselves.

You will feel it if you visit.

Greta Browning, assistant director, finds housing, mental and physical health resources, and help with substance problems for the clients and also families that need help beyond the grounds.

She and Jim call out for unique needs daily on their Facebook pages, and the items show up, usually that very day.

I do believe angels watch over this place.

Would you help the angels?

A fundraiser, Do More 24, is coming up.

Every donation, no matter how tiny, helps to obtain matching or bonus funds on top of your help.

Here is the link: Do More For The Homeless, Hungry or Lonely | Do More 24 Delaware 2024.

Rhona Prescott

Lewes

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.