You Can Help!

A tent provides scant shelterHomelessness and poverty can seem like an overwhelming problem. Your heart goes out to a mother who knows she will not be able to both pay the rent and keep food on the table this week. Maybe it seems that you have nothing to offer her – but the truth is that there are easy first steps you can take to contribute to the well-being of others in your community.

Of course you can always donate money, food, or needed items. But did you know you could help the homeless by simply walking with us or attending our annual fundraising dinner? And, if you would like to offer your time and labor to serve the poor, there is a place for you here. Read on to find out more about how you can help.

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Food For Hungry Families

Within our community, there are mothers and fathers who struggle to provide enough food for themselves and their children. StreetLight partners with local grocery stores and other organizations to provide food at very low cost to these families. From time to time, there are specific items that are needed in order to sustain the kind of support that we would like to provide. Your donation of these needed food items could make the difference between a week spent wondering where the next meal was coming from and a week spent in knowing God’s people are moved by His compassion.

We need the following items immediately:

  • Canned Vegetables
  • Pasta (Dry)
  • Pasta Sauce (Cans or Jars)
  • Meat (Except Fish)
  • Eggs

Pantry drop-off hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM, and on Wednesdays from 4:00 until 6:00 PM. If you need to arrange another drop-off time, you may call us at (703) 491-2288.

Clothing for the Needy

When you become homeless, the ordinary task of keeping clothing clean and dry becomes a nearly insurmountable challenge. Many of our clients – our brothers and sisters – live in tents in wooded areas of our county. When you live in a tent, one rainstorm can render all of your laundry a soaked, muddy mess – often many items can not be recovered. Add to that the sad fact that if you are forced to move and can not arrange sufficient transportation , you may have to leave belongings behind. Your clothing donation can help alleviate this aspect of the cycle of poverty.

Gently used clothing is always welcomed.

Clothing drop-off hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM, and on Wednesdays from 4:00 until 6:00 PM. If you need to arrange another drop-off time, you may call us at (703) 491-2288.

Donate Crisis Need Items

Food Items

  • Instant oatmeal, grits, hot cereal packets
  • Peanut butter
  • Canned soups, beef stew
  • Bottled water
  • Sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade, etc)
  • Crackers
  • Canned Cheese

Toiletries

  • Toothpaste / toothbrush
  • Toilet paper
  • Bug spray / wipes
  • Deodorant
  • First aid items – antibiotic ointment, poison ivy treatment, band aids
  • Disposable razors
  • Paper towels
  • Cough, sinus, flu, diarrhea, cold / congestion / allergy medicines (non-alcoholic)
  • Soap / Shampoo
  • Feminine Products

Other:

  • Tents, tarps
  • Sleeping bags
  • Propane
  • Camping supplies for eating / cups / utensils / plates / cooking pots
  • Bus tokens
  • Ink cartridges

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Walk With Us

Even something as simple as walking with us during the “Help the Homeless Walkathon” or one of several mini-walks held during the year can help. Check back with us to see when the next mini-walk will be held.

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Dine With Us – Annual Fundraiser Dinner and Silent Auction

Small girl

Each year, typically the last weekend of April, StreetLight holds a fundraiser dinner and silent auction. This event kicks off our fundraising season and provides a good portion of the resources needed to reach out to homeless and poor people within Prince William County.

Last year’s keynote speaker was Senior Pastor Jimmy Dorrell, Church Under the Bridge, Waco, TX, who shared an inspirational message of a community transformed by the good news of God’s people in action.

If you would like to help with the next annual fundraiser, use our contact form and indicate that you would like to help!
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Donate

If you would like to give to StreetLight Community Outreach Ministries, there are several ways you can contribute.

The most convenient way is to donate online using the widget to the left.

To partner financially with us, you can also either contact us for pre-addressed donation envelopes or set up a recurring donation with your financial institution (many banks now offer web bill pay services that automatically mail a check). Pledges for recurring amounts are a great blessing as they empower us to strategically plan the actions we will accomplish for the year. Our address is:

StreetLight Community Outreach Ministries
1550 Prince William Parkway Suite B
Woodbridge, VA 22191

(703) 491-2288

Use CFC code #89844

If you are a federal employee or military member, it’s easy to sign up with Combined Federal Campaign. Designate StreetLight Community Outreach Ministries, CFC Code #89844.

Thank you for your generosity!


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Participate In Person

You are always welcome to share the work with us, either through coming to the Harvest Banquet, helping distribute groceries at the Pantry, or helping with our other ministries. You may be surprised to find out how easy it is to make a difference in the life of another person.

You are always welcome to join us as we show compassion. It’s easier than you might think. Particularly needed right now are:

  • Grocery Pickup Drivers
  • Grocery Store Coordinator
  • Food Pantry Representatives
  • Client Transportation for Harvest Banquet

If you’d like to find out more, contact us here.