HOPE AND OPPORTUNITY MEANS OVERCOMING BARRIERS
Illiteracy is No Barrier to Growing in Faith
Since 2020, Source has seen a rise in the number of people who come to our doors with limited or no literacy. Working across many cultures and backgrounds, it is common to need to bridge language barriers and, more and more, literacy barriers. Meeting physical needs like food and clothing, helping families address school and health concerns, and encouraging our community members to grow in faith are all in a day’s work at Source regardless of the language or literacy level of our neighbors.
One participant in the Spanish-language Alpha class shares the joy of getting to learn about faith in a way that works for her: “I don’t feel bad anymore about not reading or writing, because here I am learning in a way that is very clear to me how God works in my life and my classmates’ lives too. I am so happy to find this place and Alpha class means everything to me. That’s why I come twice a week and my goal is to learn more about Him.” (translated)
Homeless to Housing & Employment: A 5-year Journey in Relationship
In our relationships with people who have been marginalized, Source’s goal is not only to make contact and demonstrate we are trustworthy, but also to be available and accessible when individuals are ready for more. Homeless outreach and food programs are often bridges to recovery resources (through Women’s Drop-In) and faith initiatives.
We first met Jessi 5 years ago at a low point in her life. Homeless, Jessi was able to stay in touch through the Women’s Drop-in because she knew where to find us when she was ready for more help and prayers. Through ups and downs, we have seen her meet many of her goals in the past five years, acquiring housing and finding work. (This summer we got to drive her to her job interview!)
Pray for Jessi: that she continues to walk forward, making breaks from the past and building foundations for the future.
Communicating Dignity through Haircuts at the Women's Drop-in
“Why are you doing this?” “…Because God loves you and we love you!”
Being treated with love and dignity is often foreign to individuals in survival mode, walking in poverty, homelessness, and abuse. In each of our programs, we strive to treat people as special and as individuals versus just a number or a statistic.
One expression of this is Salon Day at the Women’s Drop-in. Cosmetologists from the West St. Paul Barbershop volunteer their time, tools, and expertise to do what no one else offers and what our guests could not afford. This not only communicates love and dignity, it raises self-esteem for those who are constantly being told they have no worth or value.
The Women’s Drop-In continues to see dozens of visitors every week coming to receive hygiene products, shower, do laundry, and access recovery resources and to build bridges to make a change. Trained staff are there to assist with details, remind them that they are special, to offer prayer and pastoral counsel, and to nurture faith.
Record Numbers Push Women's Drop-in to its Limits
In the summer we always see big numbers, and in August we set another record with 181 visits to our Women’s Drop-in hours at the Source Community Center. Staff have been busy greeting visitors, packing hygiene products, and sorting donated clothing to fit the needs of our guests. Tears and smiles of appreciation are common. The limitations of the Community Center space and the single shower and single laundry remind us of the need to get the Women’s Center next door operational.
By our Fiscal Year End in August, we had raised $450K of the total $950K for this 3-year campaign to fund the Source Women’s Center next door. With the down payment in the bank, once we reach $650K we can “Renovate & Roll,” and begin renovations to roll out programming in the new space! Join us in prayer to see the New Women’s Center become a reality!
Update from Viña La Fuente: Hope finds expression in Summer Baptisms
In 2022, Fernando and Mally moved to Minneapolis from Colombia to work with the Latino community through Source. They work with several of the Source programs (Food Shelf, women’s drop-in, immigrant outreach, community meal & Bible discussions) and lead Viña La Fuente, Source’s Spanish-speaking congregation.
This year, after a turbulent winter that resulted in many Latino families leaving Minneapolis, whether on their own or being deported, the summer has been a season of recovering and rebuilding that has also brought us many new connections.
And these connections are bearing fruit! In August, La Fuente celebrated a baptism service. Introduced through the food shelf, community meals, the summer teen internship, or by family members, those baptized at Viña La Fuente this summer first met Source in the last 4-12 months. (Many came skeptical of religion, with backgrounds in alternative religions or witchcraft, or bringing histories of trauma, abuse, or abandonment.)
“I never thought I would go into a church again.”
The food shelf and the community meal became bridges to relationships that led to prayer and faith conversations. Baptized community members are now serving in the church and teaching the children about faith.
“I didn’t know until someone told me the truth about eternity and who Jesus was.”
Reaching out with Hope: Homeless Outreach Teams Offer Presence in Crisis
On Friday mornings, our homeless outreach team brings coffee and water, sandwiches and sweets to neighbors on the street. However, outreach goes beyond meeting immediate physical needs. We take time to talk with people, listen to their stories, pray with them, and invite them to participate in the different programs and activities offered by Source MN.
During one recent trip, staff encountered a man experiencing a life-threatening overdose. Police officers were assisting him at the time, and staff member Feliza had the opportunity to stay nearby and pray for him. Moments like this remind us that outreach is not only about providing food, but also about being present with people during some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives.
Every visit, meal, prayer, or conversation gives us an opportunity to build relationships with those experiencing homelessness, unemployment, addiction, isolation, or the challenges of beginning a new life in this country. Our goal remains simple but important: to serve our community, respond to real needs, build meaningful relationships, and bring hope to people who need to know that they are not alone.
Do you feel called to bring hope as part of our outreach team? Email volunteer [at] sourcemn [dot] org to get connected.
Fall Gathering 2026: Joyful in Hope
Sunday, November 15 at 5PM
North Heights Church; Arden Hills, MN
Since 1987, Source MN has brought Hope and Opportunity to Minneapolis. Though the last year saw many challenges, the Joy of the Lord continues to transform lives. As a growing, diverse community, we come together with open hearts and hands, giving and receiving God’s grace. Through food, outreach, recovery resources and faith initiatives, friendships are formed, faith is nurtured and lives are changed.
This fall, join us to celebrate the work we’ve done together and share in God’s vision for our city.
Holiday Opportunities to Get Involved at Source
In addition to our usual volunteer opportunities, we have a number of extra programs running over the holidays that we’d love to have your help with!
Join us to bless our community with these upcoming events:
Little Earth Indoor Pop-up food distribution (Tues, Nov 24)
Thanksgiving grocery distribution (Wed, Nov 25)
Toys for Tots gift drive and distribution (Fri/Sat, Dec 18-19)
Dignity Christmas Dinner (Sat, Dec 19)
Christmas grocery distribution (Wed, Dec 23)
Email volunteer [at] sourcemn [dot] org to sign up!