Unhoused Ministry 2025
Welcome to the Next Generation of Unhoused Ministry at Hyde Park!
Hyde Park has a long-standing commitment to serving the community. Our ministries with the unhoused include Open Arms at the Hyde Park campus, and Community Breakfast at The Portico location. It also includes two bicycle ministries and the Cold Weather Shelter activations. In fact, it was thirty years ago, a ministry named Peanut Butter Jelly Buddies began. The sandwich making ministry morphed in Open Arms. After COVID, The Portico launched the Community Breakfast.
Recent visioning and discernment brought us to a new era of these evolving ministries. Please watch the video summary as our Missions Director, and the Director of The Portico explain the current evolution. of these vital ministries. You may have questions after watching the video. We have been compiling a list of questions that have been raised throughout the discernment process. Please find those below.
Ministry is always evolving, not unlike our personal journeys through life. Thank you for the privilege of walking together on this journey as we continue to Make God’s Love Real together.
FAQs
How does this change serve our mission, and how does it align with the vision for where our church is going over the next 5+ years? This change enhances our church’s ability to fulfill one of the most prevalent commands in the Bible, which is to care for the poor and needy. By centering this work on relationship building and spiritual support, along with meeting physical needs, our ministry to the unhoused will be more holistic, helping all of us to love God and our neighbor with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This vision guides us for the next five years and beyond.
What kind of support do you need from the congregation moving forward?
- Prayer – for the guests we serve, for wisdom in this transition, and for the volunteers and staff walking alongside vulnerable neighbors.
- Presence – showing up matters. Whether it’s volunteering, offering a warm smile, or participating in learning opportunities, your presence builds trust and connection.
- Gifts – this includes financial giving, spreading the word, donating supplies, and helping us welcome new partners into the mission.
- Service – offering prayer and spiritual support, helping guests connect to housing and health resources, and preparing snack or care kits.
- Witness – Story-sharing – helping tell the stories of transformation and hope. Be an advocate by speaking up for the needs of the unhoused in your circle of influence. Invite friends, coworkers, and other groups to join the mission.
This shift isn’t just about a building or a program—it’s about becoming an even more compassionate, responsive church family. Serving one meal a day at The Portico helps us do that. Your support, in whatever form it takes, helps us live out the gospel in real and tangible ways.
How does this change reflect the church’s values of hospitality and compassion? This change reflects our church’s deep commitment to hospitality and compassion by ensuring we respond to the real and evolving needs of our neighbors with both care and dignity. Hospitality means more than offering a meal—it means creating space where every person feels seen, welcomed, and valued. Compassion calls us to listen, adapt, and act in ways that honor the humanity of those we serve. By shifting our approach, we are not stepping away from our mission but leaning into it more faithfully offering not just food, but connection, respect, and hope.
How were the needs of the unhoused population assessed before making this change? The leadership teams surveyed our current attenders at both Hyde Park and The Portico meal services. The data they gathered was used to inform the use of resources across both locations.
Who made the decision to move Open Arms ? The Open Arms leadership team in conjunction with the Portico Breakfast team.
Why is Open Arms moving to a different building? To target ministry resources to the 55+ unhoused community and to facilitate our Sunday activities prior to worship opportunities.
Why focus specifically on older unhoused individuals at the Hyde Park location? The Hyde Park location sees more of the 55+ population. This age group is underserved and the most at risk. The building at 502 Magnolia will be uniquely designed to be a home for multiple wraparound services that will help to move this specific group towards being housed.
How will the new focus on supporting unhoused seniors at the 502 building actually work? (i.e., hours open, staffing needs and expenses, services offered, etc.)
- The 502 building will be open several days a week during key daytime hours (e.g., mid-morning to early afternoon), which allows for regular engagement while maintaining manageable flow.
- Exact days and hours are being finalized based on staffing and guest needs, but the goal is predictability and consistency for guests. Guests will have appointments during hours of operation.
Staffing Needs & Expenses
- A small core team of staff and trained volunteers will oversee daily operations, relationship-building, and coordination with outside service providers.
- Staffing will include the Director of Missions, a volunteer program coordinator, part-time volunteer hospitality, security support, and rotating volunteer teams.
- Expenses will shift from large-scale meal service to more targeted support (e.g., individualized care, resource connections), which may slightly increase facility costs but reduce overall chaos and burnout.
What does success look like in this new model of care? Success in this new model of care doesn’t just look like more meals served—it looks like more lives stabilized, more relationships built, and more individuals treated with dignity and agency. It means creating pathways for connection, trust, and next steps—whether that’s access to housing resources, spiritual support, mental health care, or simply a safe place to rest and be known by name. Success also looks like a congregation and community growing in understanding and commitment, where the line between “us” and “them” begins to fade, and mutual transformation becomes possible.
Is this change permanent or part of a trial period? This is a permanent change. We will no longer be serving meals at the Hyde Park location. It will happen incrementally over the coming months.
How will we know if this new model is working? Will there be updates? When we begin to see deeper connections, more consistent engagement, and tangible movement toward stability for those we serve. The goal will be to move this age demographic to stable housing. While numbers matter—like meals shared or referrals made—we’re also paying close attention to the stories behind those numbers: stories of trust built, steps toward housing, and spiritual and emotional healing. Yes, there will be regular updates. Stay tuned!
Can we have agencies come in on Sundays to do the same thing we’re trying to accomplish during the week? Most agencies are not equipped to meet with our guests on Sundays. We have tried and have limited success with this approach in the past. Additionally, many situations need to be resolved with other parties during M-F business hours.
What happens if someone still shows up at Hyde Park expecting food or mail? When that happens, our response will be rooted in kindness and clarity. We will have clear signage and trained volunteers or staff available to explain the changes, offer directions to the new location or service times, and—when possible—provide a small care bag, snack, or resource list to meet immediate needs.
For those picking up mail, we’re working on a thoughtful transition plan to ensure no one is left without access to essential communication. Our goal is to make this shift as smooth, respectful, and relational as possible—because every interaction is a chance to embody God’s love.
Will guests be turned away if they’re not part of the senior unhoused population? While our focus is shifting to more intentionally serve the senior unhoused population—the fastest-growing and often most vulnerable group—we will continue to welcome and care for all who come in need. That said, the new model is designed with the unique needs of older adults in mind. This may mean some services or spaces are prioritized for seniors, but we are committed to offering hospitality, information, and respectful redirection to others.
Will guests need to choose between going to the 502 building or The Portico? The 502 building and The Portico are both part of a broader network of care, each offering different types of support to meet the diverse needs within the unhoused community.
The 502 building will focus on stabilizing services for older adults while The Portico continues to offer a meal, spiritual connection, recovery support, and a sense of belonging for all ages. Some guests may benefit from both spaces—and that’s okay. Our goal is not to limit access, but to expand impact by offering more targeted care in multiple places.
What time will we provide help on Sundays at The Portico and at Hyde Park? 502 will be open from 8-9:30 a.m. when guests will also be invited to join worship at 9:30 a.m. The Portico serves breakfast at 8:30 a.m. followed by the 10:01 Worship service.
Will food still be served at Hyde Park? Light healthy snacks and coffee. There will no longer be a meal at the Hyde Park location.
What type of food will be served at The Portico? A hot breakfast served by 25-40 volunteers for 180-225 people every Sunday. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are offered as a to go item after the meal.
Is anything changing at The Portico Breakfast? They are adding clothing distribution monthly beginning in September
How will security be handled differently in the new location? We recognize that stability and trust grow best in environments where everyone feels secure—guests, volunteers, and staff alike.
At the 502 building, we’ll implement a layered approach to safety that includes:
- A consistent on-site presence of trained staff and/or security personnel who know how to de-escalate situations with compassion.
- Clear boundaries and expectations for behavior, communicated respectfully and reinforced with consistency.
- Intentional design of the space to support calm, welcoming interactions and reduce opportunities for tension.
- Stronger relationships built through smaller-scale, focused services—which often lead to fewer disruptions over time.
Is the 502 building equipped to handle this kind of ministry? Yes, the 502 building is being intentionally prepared to support this kind of focused, relationship-based ministry. It may look different from our traditional outreach spaces, it offers key advantages: a more contained, calm environment; accessible facilities; and the flexibility to tailor the space to the needs of the senior unhoused population.
We’re making improvements to ensure it is welcoming, functional, and safe—including appropriate seating, restroom access, storage for supplies, and space for one-on-one conversations or services.
Will there be a transition period, and if so, how will it work? Yes, we will begin August 17 by sharing flyers and a sack lunch. On August 31 we will share a family BBQ meal at The Portico.
Where is the funding coming from to support this shift and mini makeover? Part of the funds are coming from designated gifts that have been given from church members and friends to Open Arms. Part of the funds will come from capital reserves.
Is this change increasing the church’s budget for Open Arms, or reducing it? This change is not about cutting costs—it’s about re-aligning resources to make a deeper impact. The overall budget for Open Arms is being carefully evaluated to reflect the new focus. That started in 2025 as we combined financial resources to care for the food needs of the unhoused. Some areas may shift or decrease while others may increase.
Are there any new partnerships or grants involved in this model? We’re excited to be cultivating new partnerships and hope to pursue grants that align with our focused mission to support the senior unhoused population. These collaborations help us expand our resources, bring in specialized expertise, and increase the sustainability of the ministry.
Are donations to Open Arms still being used in the same way? While we still provide direct support to provide meals, snacks and essential care items, resources will also be directed toward specialized services that meet the unique needs of the senior unhoused population.
Your generosity remains vital, and every dollar is stewarded with care to maximize impact and bring dignity and hope to those we serve.
Do Open Arms and The Portico still need as many volunteers? If so, what kind of help is most needed now? Yes, Open Arms and The Portico still greatly value and needs volunteers—though the nature of volunteer roles is evolving alongside the ministry. While large-scale meal preparation may be less frequent, there are many new opportunities to serve through one-on-one support, hospitality, and helping coordinate with partner agencies.
Volunteers skilled in listening, mentoring, organizing, and providing compassionate presence are especially needed. Training will be provided to equip volunteers for these more relational and targeted roles.
Your willingness to serve continues to be a vital part of how we live out our call to love and care for our neighbors.
Can I still serve if I’m only available on Sundays? Yes, you can still serve on Sundays! Both locations are still active on Sundays. The Portico breakfast will always welcome volunteers. While much of the focused ministry for 55+ will happen during the week, Sundays offer unique opportunities to support hospitality, provide information, welcome guests, and foster community connection.
We’re exploring ways to involve volunteers in meaningful roles on Sundays—whether that’s greeting, helping with resource tables, praying with guests, or simply being a friendly, welcoming presence.
How can small groups or families get involved with the new approach?
- A. Host a hospitality day at the 502 building, providing snacks, music, or a themed activity for guests
- Assemble care kits with essentials like hygiene items, socks, and notes of encouragement
- “Adopt” a week of support, helping with setup, transportation coordination, or partnering with staff for prayer and encouragement
- Prepare meals off-site and deliver them with personal touches like handmade cards or devotionals
- Join together for training and serve as a team in relationship-building roles
This is a great opportunity for groups to grow in compassion, unity, and shared mission—all while making a tangible impact.
Are there new ways to serve that didn’t exist before?
- Companion ministry – building consistent, trust-based relationships with older guests through conversation, prayer, and presence
- Spiritual care teams – offering devotionals, leading small moments of reflection, or simply listening as guests process their faith journeys
- Resource navigation – helping guests connect with services like financial management and personal budgeting, housing, healthcare, and benefits (training provided)
- Facility support – helping create a calm, welcoming atmosphere through setup, cleanup, and hospitality touches
Is this shift a response to community feedback or internal goals? This shift is a response to both community feedback and internal discernment. Over time, we’ve listened closely to our unhoused neighbors, ministry partners, and volunteers—and what we heard was a need for more focused, consistent, and dignified support, especially for the growing population of older adults experiencing homelessness.
