On Sunday, April 6, parishioners of St. George’s Anglican Church (Guelph) took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony between services for the parish’s new ‘Community Closet.’ An outreach initiative of the church’s Young Adult Ministry (YAM), the project was developed over a two-month period. The closet aims to provide acute care for those in need in downtown Guelph, particularly those who are unhoused.
The idea for the project began in January, when an individual in need came to the church with wet winter boots. No local community clothing providers were open, as it was early on a Sunday morning. With temperatures as low as -20°C, he was in critical need of dry footwear, which the parish was unable to provide. This incident brought awareness to St. George’s that there were significant gaps in Guelph’s social services, particularly on Sundays. Members of the YAM felt called to develop an outreach ministry to address these shortcomings.
A donation list of items was shared with the parish, with an emphasis on quick and minimal preparation; basic outdoor clothing items, like coats & socks, along with instant meal items and bottled beverages. A cabinet was also purchased with support from the Justice & Outreach Committee.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Reverend Victor Kischak, rector of the parish, led gathered parishioners in a prayer before blessing the closet’s new ministry. Afterwards, parishioners were invited to explore the closet and learn the different ways the ministry plans to support those in need.
As the Community Closet becomes an ongoing ministry, YAM members are excited to see parishioners of all ages embrace the project. At the time of writing this, in the two to three months that the closet has been operational, it has allowed St. George’s to prioritize social justice in a meaningful and hope-filled way.
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