As we at Clifton Sanctuary Ministries close out 2006, we step back to take in our journey and our accomplishments along the way. When we do this we are filled with gratitude for our loving God and the multitude of individuals, places of worship, private institutions, and government agencies that have seen us worthy of their support. Our ministry to men who are seeking to overcome homeless has never been so blessed.
The highlight of 2006 has to be the completion of construction at 369 Connecticut Avenue. Almost 18 months after fire forced us to find temporary space for our staff and the men we serve we were able to return to our home of 26 years. Insurance funds and the generous support of our many friends has resulted in restored home for our ministry. Let us not forget our brothers and sisters in Christ at Epworth United Methodist Church who shared their home with us during this time. There are still kinks to be resolved but there is no place like home.
In the midst of all this CSM continued to provide emergency housing, meals, hot showers and toilet facilities, clothing, counseling, and health care referrals. In fact, 2006 saw an increase in the total number of men served from 288 in 2005 to 359 or an 25% increase. Of those, we housed 32 who were homeless and over 70 years of age for a 60% increase over 2005. Many of our guests have multiple diagnoses of additive disorders, mental illness, and/or HIV/AIDS. In 2006 CSM served 241men with one, two or all three of these illnesses. That represented a 162% increase over 2005. Of these 100 were military veterans with additive disorders and/or mental illness. CSM has also assisted many disabled men to get VA or SSI benefits they didn’t know they had due them. CSM served 100 military veterans in 2006.
Less obvious is the accomplishments of our grant writing team. Their hard work and research has resulted in three foundation grants during the 2006 calendar year. Other applications prepared during the year are still pending and we are cautiously optimistic about their potential. This much needed funding allowed us to expand our services during the last half of the year. Our overnight hosting team is now anchored by two part-time staff members funded by this money. In addition we are now in the process of hiring a Food Coordinator to oversee the planning and preparation of meals for our guests. This is an important step in returning to our pre-fire procedures.
While foundation funding is a welcome addition to our funding pie, it is one that requires ongoing attention. Some foundations will only provide one time funding for a project or a specific need. All require new applications when additional funding is desired. Our success has bolstered our enthusiasm and raised our sights for future and we are optimistic that new and renewable resources can be identified.
As we look forward from an uncertain past, bolstered by the unprecedented accomplishments of this past year we can only look forward to the upcoming year with faith in the loving God that was with us throughout our past, is with us now and will be with us in the up coming future, if we possess the courage to believe unconditionally.
Sharing the love of God, we are a Sanctuary to men seeking to overcome homelessness. For more than 25 years the doors of Clifton Sanctuary have offered a place of physical and spiritual rest, shelter, healing and support to men who are homeless in Atlanta. Open 365 days a year, Night Hospitality is the oldest shelter in Atlanta operating in a house of worship.
