HOPE Salutes Michael Krause
When I think of service and dedication to H.O.P.E. as well as to the community of those experiencing homelessness, I think of Michael Krause. Not only does he volunteer his time with the H.O.P.E. group in any capacity we need him to, but he has also worked at Case Management, Inc, for at 20+ years, providing mental health services for those who are experiencing homelessness. Michael also volunteers with the First Presbyterian soup kitchen, the Memphis Health Center, as well as the Hospitality Hub. Michael Krause is known to our community as the go-to-guy for all information on homeless services as well as the free things to do in our city. He is a proud supporter & member of the Pink Palace Museum, and is known for inviting others to come join and see the exciting exhibits there.
As if that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, Michael is also an active member of the Memphis Bus Riders Union and the Mid-South Peace & Justice Center, volunteering his time with both. Michael has fought tirelessly for the rights of bus riders, from the picket line to MATA board meetings, and to City Hall. Any given day you can find Mike, as he is affectionately called, wearing his HOPE or his Memphis Bus Riders Union t-shirts. Mike wholeheartedly believes in the mission and vision of HOPE and MBRU and is on of our most relied upon members. So kudos to Mike for winning the Mary Knox Lanier Award from the Community Alliance for the Homeless! If you would like to share in celebrating with Michael, his award will be presented to him at the Excellence Awards on Tuesday, June 26, 11:00 a.m. at Case Management , Inc.
-Tamara Hendrix, Organizing Coordinator, H.O.P.E.
Summer Survival Continues
As we told you about in past newsletters, we are starting our Summer Survival campaign. The first dates of this program will be June 23, 30, and July 12. The rest will be be announced soon. Summer Survival is where we feed the most vulnerable and hungry school age children this summer. We would like to provide sandwiches, bottle water, and chips as well as hygiene kits if necessary. We also need volunteers to help pass out the food, which is a good opportunity for those who need community service hours. Youth volunteers are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult if under 18. We need your help to make this summer great for those in need!
For more information about how you can help donate or support HOPE or those who do the work to combat homelessness,or would like to put on a HOPE shirt and volunteer, contact Tamara Hendrix, (901)725.4990 or tamara@midsouthpeace.org.
Feed the Movement!
H.O.P.E. would like to thank Marcos Pizza for providing pizzas for the H.O.P.E meetings on the 1st Wednesday of the month. H.O.P.E is a supportive advocacy group for people with the experiences of homelessness. One of the ways in which we learn about the aforementioned needs and strategize how we can best support one another through this work is through our weekly Wednesday meetings in which we invite people experiencing homelessness to fellowship, share, and brainstorm. It is very important that H.O.P.E. continues to hear from the homeless community about the differing levels of oppression that many of us may face when attempting to navigate through the impending hardships of scarce services available in Memphis. For many groups and organizations offering free food at meetings is a plus for their attendees, but for H.O.P.E. it is a necessity, due to the fact that most often the meal offered at H.O.P.E. meetings may be the only meal they will have that day.
As H.O.P.E. grows in numbers our expenses grow as well. How can you help? You can help by donating prepared foods on Wednesdays to our meeting that afternoon. Don’t have time to cook or buy prepared foods and bring them to our meeting space? We also accept monetary donations towards this cause. Neither of those options seem feasible for you presently? We are also looking for restaurants willing to donate food to our meetings. As always, all forms of donations are completely tax deductible.
If you would like to discuss how you can offer support to HOPE please call Tamara @ 901-254-5964 or email tamara@midsouthpeace.org.
