Saint Paul Local Assistance Ministry (LAM) supports the mission of Saint Paul to "serve our neighborhood" and "proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through words and actions" by listening, offering hospitality, and providing emergency financial assistance to the most vulnerable members of our community. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Saint Paul volunteers provide a light lunch for persons needing emergency assistance and, following carefully developed guidelines, screen and authorize their applications.
In 2009, LAM provided almost $29,000 in one-time, emergency assistance, primarily to low income workers to prevent eviction. These monies were granted in behalf of 574 applicants, the majority of whom were heads of households with children. The sources of LAM funds include a line item in the Saint Paul budget, an annual fundraiser hosted by Hamburger Mary's, Lutheran Brotherhood matching funds, and modest grants and private donations. LAM is a vital witness to the love of Christ in our community where there are almost no public or private agencies that offer emergency rental assistance to prevent eviction. While LAM was able to provide assistance to 574 persons in 2009, it could not consider requests from an additional 718 applicants because it did not have the resources to do so.
Thank you to the following dedicated volunteers who contributed so much to the success of the program: Nancy Konvalinka, Joanne Gearhart, Judy Strasen, Jim Mooney, Jim Jackman, John and Doris Zesbaugh, Felice Cottle, Eleanor Friedemann, Bob McSherry, Cindy Bushagen, Ruth Miller, Kathleen Ohman, Amanda Baker, Derrick Baker, Jeff Parrot, Jan Miller, Dorothy Stenman, and Helen Jackman. We are also very grateful for the fantastic Urban Servant Corps volunteers: Kiri Mathsen and Gretchen Nelson.
Kathleen Ohman, LAM Steering Committee Helen Jackman, LAM Coordinator
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