PACEM, an acronym for People and Congregations Involved in Ministry, is a nonprofit organization which provides the structure and trained support for the approximately 50 local congregations as they provide shelter for the homeless during the winter months. The WPC PACEM Committee is Westminster’s liaison with PACEM and is responsible for scheduling and organizing our volunteers and the church facilities for the two-week period that WPC is the host shelter. In 2009, between February 7th and February 21st, our volunteers provided shelter to an average of 44 men each night, with the number ranging from a low of 39 to as many as 48 guests.
Over 200 volunteers, including our youth groups and PSF, as well as volunteers from Buck Mountain Episcopal Church and Meadows Presbyterian Church, were actively involved in the nightly shelter operations by preparing and serving meals and providing fellowship for our guests, doing laundry, and overnight assistance for the PACEM staff. Many others of our congregation participated by contributing hats, gloves, and other items of clothing for distribution to our guests.
We will again be hosting the PACEM’s men shelter in 2010 from February 20th to March 6th. Contact the church office if you would like to help.
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