April Showers, Interfaith Homeless network

San Mateo County Times - San Mateo,CA,USA
Interfaith group welcomes San Leandro's homeless
By Gideon Rubin
The Daily Review
Article Last Updated: 09/07/2008 09:22:46 PM PDT


SAN LEANDRO — On most days, they are shooed away from street corners and coffee shops, told to go somewhere else.

On Sunday, about 50 homeless people who showed up for a faith-based outreach program at the San Leandro Boys and Girls Club were greeted with a welcome mat.

Every first, third and fifth Sunday, volunteers gather at the San Leandro Boys and Girls Club offering the area's homeless and indigent people showers, food and clothing.

The "April Showers" program is run by the Interfaith Homelessness Network, a coalition of 11 San Leandro churches.

"Normally when they sit down somewhere somebody comes around and says 'are you panhandling? Outta here!'" volunteer coordinator Margaret Strem said.

The IHN formed in the aftermath of the November 2001 death of a homeless man whose body was found at a San Leandro construction site, organizers say.

Volunteers on Sunday stirred up homemade soups and served pastries donated by local coffee shops. The needy also got clothing and a laundry voucher — no questions asked.

Those attending Sunday's event included children and the elderly. Some were handicapped.

"They provide a great service," a homeless man identifying himself as George said. "It fulfills a need, and they make you feel welcome."

Just as important as the sustenance, the homeless also get respect.

"It's important that every person have their humanness, their dignity," Strem said.
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