Red Willow Community Church is dedicated to making our community a better place and to represent Jesus to those in our community. We have committed to assist the Salvation Army Women’s Outreach Van Ministry, led by Tracey Boller, by collecting and providing needed resources and funds.
Four to six female volunteers stock a van with clothes, blankets, water, and bag lunches as they get ready to head out for a shift with the Salvation Army Women’s Outreach Van program. From 9:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. on a Saturday night they’ll drive the van along a route in Edmonton’s inner city watching for women out on the streets who flag them down needing food, clothing, or just a safe place to warm up and talk.
The program is designed to help vulnerable women, many of whom are involved in prostitution or are homeless – or both. Volunteers inquire about their situations and specific needs. The women are unexpectedly up front and forthright about their struggles, and the list from one night alone includes drug use, cancer treatments, abortions, evictions, bad break-ups, hospital stays, childcare issues, incarcerations, and fear for their future. Many tears fall as they tell their stories, and the volunteers listen, help navigate the various services they need, and offer to pray with them. Mostly the women just need some basics, like warm clothes and a sandwich, but for others, it’s a ride to a safe place or help getting treatment.
Help is available to all until the supplies run out. No one is turned away, but the stock depletes quickly and the volunteers struggle to fill the demand for gloves, scarves and warm clothing. If you are interested in helping this front line program to reach our most vulnerable women, donations of clothing, backpacks, blankets, jackets, underwear, socks, bottled water, or monetary donations are always welcome. Or perhaps you would like to volunteer on the van some Saturday night. You can contact Tracey Boller at tmerrett@hotmail.com for more information or to become part of the volunteer team.
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