By LORETTA FULTON

Churches of all sizes can help alleviate homelessness in Abilene in big and small ways. 

The West Texas Homeless Network, an affiliate of the Texas Homeless Network, held a “Faith in Practice” workshop Sept. 14 to offer tips on how to help. The first thing is easy enough. It’s just a reminder of who the homeless person is. 

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“That is someone’s child,” said Courtney Horton, WTHN coalition coordinator. 

Horton and other members of the WTHN Diversion and Prevention Team presented the workshop, which was held at The Well church in downtown Abilene. 

The West Texas Homeless Network is not an agency, but rather a coalition of 25 stakeholders in the Abilene area. Abilene Community Foundation is the fiscal agent for the network, which receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Some ways that churches can get involved are:

1. Adopt a family
2. Furniture donations
3. House warming and blessings
4. Welcome baskets
5. Joining the Network

Donations can be dropped off at Abilene Hope Haven, 3801 S. Treadaway Blvd. Call 325-677-4673 before dropping off items. 

For details, contact the WTHN at 325-260-1417. The Network also has a Pocket Community Resource Guide that you can pick up. The guide lists a number local churches and agencies that offer assistance. 

Lauren Anderson,Youth Homelessness Chair of the West Texas Homeless Network, reminded people attending the workshop that everyone’s help is needed.

“We have to have your hands to do the work,” she said. 

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene