Outreach: Foot-washing program for the homeless
In an earlier post we mentioned how energized the Outreach program is at Redeemer, and how a flurry of new projects have been launched in recent weeks. Recently Emily Austin shared some details about this year’s upcoming foot-washing event to help the homeless.
United Way of King County’s Community Resource Exchange is a part of its annual Day of Caring on September 24. The event connects homeless individuals and families with the services they need all in one place, in one day—with everything from backpacks, free health care and haircuts to voicemail accounts, legal assistance and help finding housing.
To support this year’s event, Redeemer will be providing financial support through the Earley Fund, and volunteers to staff the foot-washing station. They will wash the feet of homeless individuals, check them for injury or disease, and provide them with fresh socks. (We’ll be announcing the sock drive soon!)
I’ve participated in the foot washing twice and it really resonated with me as a worthwhile project; but at the event when several press-people came up to me and asked, “Why are you doing this?” I drew a total blank regarding what to say. It’s not easy to put into words the brief spiritual connection that occurs when you wash someone’s feet and provide clean socks to those who need them.
This may be only a small gesture; but small gestures can make a big difference.