Our Ministry provides emergency short-term housing and advocacy services for homeless men, women and children, and long-term transitional housing and advocacy services for single mothers and their families and for single men in a caring Christian enviroment.

Loaves and Fishes Ministries was started in 1982 by a group of ecumenical Christians committed to a concrete faith response to "feed the hungry and provide shelter to the homeless people" of our community. By providing a safe, peaceful and non-violence shelter home, it is our belief that God can work changes in the lives of people.

• We had 245 Adults and 16 Children staying in our emergency shelter and transitional houses.
• Our volunteers prepared and served 6500 meals, washed 1500 loads of dishes, and laundered 700 loads of dirty clothing
• 21% of our guests were chronically homeless*
• 16% of our guests had a severe mental illness
• 21% of our guests were chronic substance abusers
• 36% of our guests had other disabilities
• 8% of our guests were veterans
• 23% of our guests were victims of domestic violence

* Chronic Homeless is defined as an unaccompanied individual with a disability who has been homeless as defined by HUD more than 4 times in the last 3 years or continuously for 1 year.

"As a very proud person, it was hard for me to admit I was shelter-bound. I had heard so many nightmare stories about the homeless and homeless shelters. And I was embarrassed, humiliated, and somewhat in denial about me, God forbid, being a homeless person!

But here I am! And I feel blessed to have gotten a bed here first, and hopefully, last. It is very humbling. I appreciate and bless each and every staff member and volunteer! You have made this uncomfortable transition a lot easier. Thank you so much!

I thought I would be belittled and degraded. The opposite is true. I never expected to feel good feelings at this time in my life...

It is so sad not to have family here, especially during Christmas, but I feel cared for & see the light at the end of the tunnel. [This shelter] is a stepping-stone to a better future...A place to help you grow, get organized, & see your way when things are in chaos & so stressful.

One day I will help financially or volunteer. I hope to make others feel as good about themselves in a down-point in their lives, just as you all have done in mine.

Merry Christmas! I know 2008 will be a good & growing year for me!"

MSU Football Players Serve Dinner to Loaves and Fishes Guests