“Don’t Walk By” Campaign

Recently, in October 2011, the highest count ever recorded in the history of the New York City public shelter system was recorded: 41,000 people. Almost 17,000 of that number was children. Now is the time for the Body of Christ to rise up to do something about the monumental need around us. The city is desperate for the church to be the church and bring healing to the streets.

For the third year in a row, a citywide outreach to help the homeless known as Don't Walk By is taking place February 4, 11, 18, 25. During this event an army of volunteers will fan out across Manhattan on a search and rescue mission for the homeless. Over four Saturdays, they walk every block on the island of Manhattan! Volunteers seek to offer every single street person food, warm clothing, blankets and the opportunity to get off the streets and enter a shelter and residential program. This successful initiative is led by the New York City Rescue Alliance, a partnership of faith-based ministries.

1,400 volunteers from over 100 churches meet at the anchor church of the week to register and receive training at 2:30pm. From 4:30pm to 7:30pm, Street Engagement Teams hit the streets. As they meet the homeless on the streets, they offer help and call in a van to transport those who are willing to go back to the church. There a delicious meal is served along with the opportunity to receive free coats and meet representatives from faith-based programs to get a warm bed that very night and possibly sign up for long-term discipleship and help with addiction.

To volunteer or get more information go to www.dontwalkby.org. See an excellent and moving video about this historic outreach. Volunteers needed.

Contact info@dontwalkby if you have more questions or want to be a team leader.

Juan Galloway is President of The Relief Bus, a mobile outreach to the homeless for 22 years in New York City. www.reliefbus.org.