Shepherd of the Streets
United Churches began this ministry on April 1, 1988 to provide spiritual and material help to those on the streets, confronting fear, hunger, homelessness, unemployability or other difficulties. Through the Shepherd Ministry the churches of Lycoming County are able to assist people who need hope and peace in the midst of poverty and need. advocate with local agencies, law enforcement and correctional agencies.
The ministry provides for: clinical pastoral counseling bedding and hygiene items medical transportation assistance medical, dental, and visual assistance referrals.
J. Morris Smith, Th.D. has been the director of the Shepherd of the Street Ministry since January 1, 2001. He has a Master of Arts degree in Theology from St. Mary’s University and a Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling from the National Christian University, both in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Smith is the formation director of DOULOS – Servants of the King, an ecumenical crisis and formation CENTER founded by him and his wife Barby.
Information
Location: 320 Park Avenue, Williamsport
Hours: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday – Thursday (Summer Hours)
Mailing Address: PO Box 2184 Williamsport, PA 17703
Phone: (570) 322-6538 Fax – (570) 322-1968
Administrator: Mrs. Nancy Long
How Can You Help?
There are opportunities for laity to serve as a receptionist or as an office volunteer.
There are also opportunities for congregations and individuals to provide items for personal hygiene which are listed below.
Donation Items
Comb
Shampoo
Large bars soap
Band-aids and bandage supplies
Disposable razors
Tissues
Wash cloths
Bath towels
Hand lotion
Gel shaving cream
Sanitary napkins
Child’s toothbrush
Diapers in larger sizes
Diapers
Baby shampoo
Baby lotion
Baby soap
Baby powder
Adult diapers
Toothbrush
Tube toothpaste
Deodorant
Food Pantry
Our pantry provides emergency food to assist households who are food insecure stretch their family food budget. Families can qualify for assistance monthly, and are able to walk along the shelves and choose items they will use and need at that particular time. To request food assistance, call 570-322-1657 and leave a message on the answering machine. Someone will return your call to schedule your appointment. The coordinator of the pantry, Mona Rundio, will help you feel comfortable and welcome.
How Can You Help?
Donations of non-perishable food items and funds to purchase them are always needed.
Please note that the summer months are one of the busiest times for pantries because children are out of school so they eat more meals at home and everyone is more active. We also like to stock foods children can cook themselves as needed.
Donation Items
Cereal and Oatmeal (especially the individual packs)
Mac & Cheese (especially microwaveable for kids this summer)
Soups (especially microwaveable for kids this summer)
Canned Fruit
Applesauce
Hamburger / Chicken / Tuna Helper
Tuna and other canned meats
Beef Stew
Ramen Noodles
Noodles and Pasta
Canned Vegetables
Pickles and Olives
Healthy Snacks
Pancake Mix and Syrup
Boxed Milk
Vegetable Oil
Desert Mixes
Tea / Coffee / Cocoa
Peanut butter and Jelly (especially grape)
Juices (16 oz/less)
Jello and Pudding
Condiments – Ketchup – Mustard – Relish – Mayonnaise
Special Collections
Special Collections are sometimes done by congregations and groups! It’s a wonderful blessing that boosts our stock! It is also sometimes done at a holiday time, Christmas – Thanksgiving – Easter, to allow us to give a special basket of food to clients! It is always a good idea to call in and talk to Mona to plan such an event together.
Volunteer
Volunteers are needed to stock shelves, unload deliveries, and most importantly to help each family find the foods that will best help them this month. We have volunteers who work once a week, others work once a month, and some are on call to substitute when someone is ill or away. Call the pantry 570-322-1657, and talk to Mona to see what might work for you.
Information
Location: The rear of The Costellano Center, 320 Park Avenue, Williamsport, on the corner of Hepburn Street and Park Avenue.
Mailing Address: United Churches, 202 East Third Street, Williamsport PA 17701
Telephone: 570-322-1657