Rescue Mission offers 'Homeless Sponsorships'

Lark News ^ | November 2006

[Alex Murphy]

LODI — Kent Andersen of the Lodi Rescue Mission got tired of seeing charity dollars run overseas. So this Christmas he is asking people to sponsor the homeless men who frequent his mission.
    "Bob, Dave and Al are right here, and they need help, too," Andersen says.
   Part holiday gimmick, part jab at Christian priorities, Andersen's sponsorships landed him on local television — and already increased giving to his mission by 36%. Young people in particular like the idea of supporting a local homeless person.
    After speaking at a church Andersen offered sponsor packets for men named Guy, Ralph and Bert. Each bore a photo of a homeless man.
    "These are my regular customers," Andersen told the congregation. "God loves these guys."
    One packet read:
    "Meet Ralph.
    Hobbies: Pushing cart around town; collecting cans.
    Age: 52
    Childhood dream: To be a pilot
    Current home: highway underpass"
    The church responded positively once people realized the packets were for real.
    But a local food pantry has criticized Andersen for putting the money into the mission's grocery budget instead of giving it directly to the homeless men.
    Says Andersen, "I'm realistic. This isn't a booze sponsorship."
By Christmas 2007 he hopes to find lifelong sponsors for every homeless person in Lodi. •

[Rodney King]

I guess it's too much to tell them to get a haircut and a job.

[Indy Pendance]

Better than gov handouts.

[SIDENET]

Hobbies: Pushing cart around town; collecting cans.

I'd say that this is more of a career than a hobby.