Hands of Hope

This update is from Charles Norris who coordinates Hands of Hope, an outreach ministry of GCI’s congregation in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

In January of 2000, several of us attending the Winnipeg church began reaching out to citizens of Winnipeg through a World Vision sponsored church network called NeighbourLink. It soon became apparent that over 80% of the requests for help were for basic household furniture. No one appeared to be able and willing to help people meet this need.

With assistance from my wife Sandra, we began delivering tables and chairs from our home and from the homes of other members to those requesting help. In 2002, with help from our pastor Alan Redmond, a registered charity called Hands of Hope was formed. Today, Hands of Hope responds to about 100 calls plus many more emails every day. Two paid staff now coordinate about 70 volunteers in picking up and delivering furniture to a great variety of people in need.

Winnipeg has over 70,000 people of aboriginal descent. A high percent live in very poor circumstances. Many more are moving into the city every year from remote reservations. Over 16,000 people immigrate to Manitoba every year—many coming with no extra money. Many women are fleeing abusive relationships. Almost all the mental hospitals were closed years ago, putting patients out into the community where they often fare very poorly. Many elderly people find themselves with only the hard floor to sleep on when their beds are infested over and over again with bedbugs.

One 75-year old woman with learning difficulties was discovered to be living in a dilapidated bug- and mouse-infested rooming house with no bed, furniture, or pots to cook with. We gave her a bed, blankets, sheets, chairs, pots, dishes and lamps. She was very grateful. There didn’t appear to be anyone concerned and able to help her. When she moved into a much better apartment, Hands of Hope continued to help her. She is over 80 now and still calls Hands of Hope to ask for items.

We often help five or six families a day. I tell them, “This is what Jesus would do!” In the past 14 years, we’ve helped over 60,000 people—close to 10% of Winnipeg’s population! Ministry employees and volunteers get friendly waves and smiles as they drive down the city’s streets.

A 67-year old woman living under a bridge came to Hands of Hope asking for dry shoes and a coat last February. We gave her shoes plus blankets and food. She is now living in a warm apartment well furnished by Hands of Hope and is very grateful.

One recent immigrant attending the Winnipeg congregation with his wife and teen-age son has been eagerly volunteering for several years. He says, “It’s my job!” Over 15 beneficiaries of Hands of Hope attend our church services at present.

This service to the community, we believe, is a great way to put into practice what Jesus said: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”