Morningstar Mission is a non-denominational organization dedicated to relieving the spiritual and physical hunger of the poor by providing food for the hungry, clothes for the needy, and shelter for the homeless and the gospel of Jesus Christ for all. Sandi Perzee, the Executive Director at Morningstar Mission in Joliet, advises that the mission continues to serve the homeless population during the pandemic.
While other locations such as PADS, Daybreak, and other local shelters have closed their doors to serving and the intake process during the pandemic, Morningstar has continued their daily work. The chapel at Morningstar has been converted to hold extra beds with individuals sleeping head to foot, 3-4 feet apart. When Morningstar is completely full, individuals are sent to various local hotels and the Continuum of Care covers the cost.
Since one of the areas homeless tested positive for COVID-19, Morningstar Mission staff monitor their guests and require that guests practice a self-quarantine for 14 days after they come into the mission or hotel. Morningstar reports that several agencies and churches are bringing meals into the hotel for their guests. The Continuum is providing laundry soap and money to do laundry. In the dining room, there are grab-and-go sack lunches and the drop-in center has been closed to prevent interactions between people. Dinner and breakfast are served as a hot meal each day. The tables in the dining room are limited to four people at a time to limit interactions.
On Easter, all in need were served a hot meal, a sack lunch and an Easter treat to raise their spirits. To deliver food safely to additional guests, Morningstar Mission also created a line where folks could stay in their car, and staff would put the food boxes in their trunks. Easter baskets were also handed out to guests.
To further help stop the spread of the virus, Morningstar staff is taking requests for specific items, and the staff will go out and get the items and bring them to the guests. They are also providing this service at the hotels. Sandi Perzee says her staff has stepped up to make the shelter work efficiently and safely and she could not be more proud of her incredible staff’s dedicated work to help others in need.
During these uncertain times, it is best to follow the guidelines put in place by the CDC and the Illinois Governor. MorningStar Mission is working diligently to help the homeless in the most efficient and safe way possible. They have constant contact with City Gate Network and 500 other missions across the nation. Staying in touch with the network is key to helping with their guests. They have daily briefings with their White House liaison and with the President. This is the present-day HUD which allows the Missions needs to be heard.
Perzee concludes, “This is GOD thing and through the crisis we will make it the best, His name be praised into good with God.” Sterk Family Law applauds the efforts made by Morningstar Mission and supports their efforts. Join Sterk Family Law in providing support for Morningstar. Every dollar counts. You can donate by sending donations to:
MORNINGSTAR MISSION 350 E Washington St, Joliet, IL 60433.
(815) 722-5780 info@morningstarmission.org
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