Homeless Outreach

South Patio Under Construction by Homeless Angels  (2021) ​
Raised Beds Under Construction  (2021) ​
West Patio Complete (2021)
Outdoor Lockers (2019)
Tankless Hot Water Heather (2018)
Shower  Facilities (2015) 
Making Up Beds for Homeless Families (2014) 
Our church, Fort Collins Mennonite Fellowship in Fort Collins, CO, is a tiny church with a BIG heart. We believe strongly that spirituality is intertwined with social justice. Every action we take stems from Jesus’ statement: "What you do to the least of us you do to me."  This is why we are so committed to helping those in need in the community.
 
That is why we have put our focus on helping the marginalized and the homeless, earning us the name, “The Little Church that Could.”
 
We would like to share with you what we are up to with our Homeless Outreach program and then give you a quick look at our history of serving the homeless.
 
A True Sanctuary
Over the past 9 years we have constructed shower and laundry facilities, added free outdoor lockers, provided weekend meals, served as a warming center, and hosted homeless families on a rotating basis.

However, when COVID-19 hit, everything changed. We decided to approach some of the most vulnerable homeless individuals we knew and invited them to live in our church. Since March 2020, we have provided ongoing housing for at-risk persons in our church. Our church has become a Trued Sanctuary for those living here.
 
And a wonderful thing has happened. Those living at the church have now become caretakers of our building and grounds. The do repairs and cleaning. They do landscaping. They even built us two amazing patios!
 
They also serve as “homeless outreach angels” who open the church doors to other homeless individuals so they can take hot showers, wash their clothes, grab a snack, receive a personal hygiene item or clothing, all while being provided with a warm, welcoming presence.

With our building open 24/7, our utility bills have skyrocketed, and costs for supplies, clothing, and food, keep increasing. We recently started a GoFundMe campaign to raise the money we need. We hope you will consider donating and share our story and link with as many people as you can! 
Donate on our GoFundMe page:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/true-sanctuary-for-the-homeless

Our True Sanctuary program also made the cover of Anabaptist World Magazine:
https://anabaptistworld.org/blessed-with-new-friends/
A Bit of History
And now, for those who want to learn more, a quick look at the history of our work with the homeless.

  • In 2002, offered up its building as a severe weather day shelter for the local homeless population for almost 3 years.
  • In 2012, we began hosting homeless families in our church on a regular basis (quarterly) through the Faith Family Hospitality (FFH) program, an interfaith program of 36 churches that provides fellowship, overnight housing, meals and support to local families experiencing homelessness.
  • In 2013, we opened our doors to become the FFH Hospitality Center, a daytime respite for families in the FFH program.
  • In late 2014-early 2015, we expanded our facility to include laundry and shower facilities for FFH families.
  • In 2015, we opened our doors to the homeless on Friday evenings, from 5 pm to 10 pm, serving dinner at 6 pm and providing warm shelter, fellowship, and shower facilities. In 2017, we switched to Saturday evenings, where more than 100 people are served at the meal.
  • In 2018, we opened our doors to the homeless on Sunday morning, from 7 am to 1 pm, offering breakfast at 8 am, along with shelter and fellowship. Typically, more than 100 people are served at the meal.
  • In 2019, after a one-year legal battle with the City of Ft. Collins, we won our case to install our large-size lockers outside the church to serve the homeless.
  • In 2020, we responded to COVID by opening the church to  homeless individuals and allowing them to live there. With the help of the church, they provide shower and laundry facilities to the homeless, hand out food and clothing, and minister to the homeless.
  • In 2021, our homeless angels living in the church, built two beautiful patios and various raised bed gardens. they continue to maintain the flower and vegetable gardens.
Saturday Evening Warming Center (2018)
Thanksgiving Dining ​ (2018)