It’s easy to get bogged down and discouraged sometime during the work week, especially in the nonprofit industry. That’s why it’s important to take some time outside of the office to reconnect with the community that we serve.

Habitat Monroe’s team build day on Monday, Aug. 27 served in part as a reminder of why we do what we do. The first stop on our team day was Oaks of Righteousness, a Christian ministry in Monroe which also operates as a homeless shelter run by Pastor Heather Boone. They also offer many great community services such as daycare, a clothing closet, addiction meetings, and much more.

Throughout the summer, they’ve been providing free meals to whomever needs them. For some families that depend on free meals provided by the public school system, summer vacation isn’t as relaxing as it should be. With the help of donors and volunteers, Oaks is able to provide free lunches for sometimes hundreds of people. It’s not uncommon for them to see long lines during their rushes.

During our time at Oaks, Habitat Monroe was able to help both prep lunches and serve them to the people that showed up that day. Sandwiches, chips, and cookies were among the menu items that day and dozens of families showed up to eat.

We also toured their facilities and met some of the kids that have been staying there. Oaks is able to give a hand up to many struggling families, they can typically shelter up to 30 men and 30 women at a time. Though they have come a long way since their opening in 2012, they still rely on the help of generous donors and volunteers.

Visiting Oaks was a reminder of just how easy it is for people to fall behind if they don’t have a hand up available to them. It’s a realization that there is still such an incredible need for affordable housing in Monroe and for our HOPE program, to help people with financial coaching and capability.
 
We’re so grateful for Pastor Boone and the people of Oaks for serving their community in such an impactful way. We’re also thankful that we were able to be a part of it and lend a few hours of our day to help feed the people of Monroe. 
If you would like to donate, volunteer  need more information about the services they offer please visit oaksofmonroe.com 
You can also find them on facebook at Oaks of Righteousness / Oaks Village