Homelessness affects every state across the nation. There is a constant battle to provide necessary resources for unhoused populations. Communities often rely on nonprofit organizations and individuals to help care for their unhoused neighbors.
The challenge is implementing strategies to keep unhoused populations safe and healthy while helping them get off the streets and into a stable, comfortable, and opportunity-filled environment.
Feed My Sheep Helping Hand Ministry is a prime example of a nonprofit dedicated to serving its community’s unhoused population.
The Story of Feed My Sheep Helping Hand Ministry
In 2019, Cedric Jackson and Jackie Poke began taking steps to fulfill the significant need for individuals to be fed and clothed in response to the dire street conditions Saint Louis’s unhoused population lived with.
Soon, Cedric and Jackie acquired a mobile unit to reach people who needed resources more easily around the city and surrounding areas.
Feed My Sheep Helping Hand Ministry was officially established as a 501c3 nonprofit in 2022. The organization has continued its mission of connecting the unhoused population with food and clothing through donations and funds.
To donate to Feed My Sheep Helping Hand Ministry, please visit https://greatnonprofits.org/org/feed-my-sheep-helping-hand-ministry.
The Unhoused Population: How Many People Need Our Help?
According to the 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress, about 582,462 people nationwide were unhoused on any given night. In Missouri, that number was estimated to be about 5,992.
Using statistics from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, we can conclude that Missouri’s overall unhoused population has decreased by 8.2% since 2020.
However, after accounting for the decrease in population, a shocking 30% of Missouri’s unhoused population still exists in St. Louis and its surrounding areas.
Working With WIN Warehouse
“WIN Warehouse has helped by providing products that we need to build our organization and better provide to the community,” says Feed My Sheep Helping Hand Co-Founder Cedric Jackson.
WIN Warehouse has provided Feed My Sheep Helping Hand Ministry with items, such as:
- A refrigerator and freezer,
- Exhaust fans for their mobile unit,
- First aid kits,
- Clothes,
- And diapers.
Cedric also visits WIN’s showroom weekly to stock up on food containers, dish soap, cleaning products, and more!
WIN Warehouse
WIN Warehouse is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Our mission is to provide value and mutual sustainability by connecting nonprofit organizations with corporate excess inventory. We are committed to helping nonprofit organizations with the goods they need to further their impact.
To learn more about becoming a Non-Profit Member, please visit https://winwarehouse.org/nonprofit-members/.
Once your organization is an official member, you’ll have access to our Online Catalog and free reign to visit our showroom Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Please reach out with any questions. We’re here to help!