Current Initiatives
There are so many false narratives and stigmas attached to the homeless community. Labels of drug addiction, laziness, and deceitfulness permeates and plagues the homeless community. It’s unfortunate to hear so many misconceptions constantly being perpetuated throughout all tiers of society, because I have found that quite the contrary is true.
While the primary goal of Blessing Bags is to meet a temporary need and to provide encouragement and hope, another goal is to shed light on the humanity of those living on the streets. They are just like you or I - They have favorite ice cream flavors, keep pictures of their families, are hilarious and have great senses of humor, talk about the sports teams that they’ve followed since childhood, have experienced trauma and just want to embrace love… they too are people. Through this mission of Blessing Bags, we aim to humanize those that society typical discards and vilifies.
I believe that people would be pleasantly surprised to find out that many (or even the majority) of the people inhabiting the streets are truly some of THE sweetest, most kind-hearted, and generous people that embody our society. Every outreach I am blown away to witness handfuls of them sacrifice their own blessing bag and give it to someone else who is in more need, encourage and pray for us, initiate conversations to get to know our outreach team better, express their gratitude with such a genuine and humble heart … what an absolute privilege it is to interact with such astounding people.
We have helped and prayed over survivors of abuse and assault, drug and alcohol addicts, people that have been kicked out of their homes due to family matters, gang members, victims of gentrification, young moms seeking a place to go, sex workers, veterans, evictees, nomads that have lost their way, or just simply people that have encountered tough times and can’t seem to uplift themselves out of poverty. The homeless community is not monolithic and each one of them is worthy of respect and dignity.
We believe being action-oriented is key. What can we do with the hands that we have, the money in our pockets, and with our God-given brains? Well my friend, I am glad you asked- we can donate, put our heads together to come up with solutions to better serve the oppressed, and go out and pound pavement and help the hurting, face to face. I hope you will join me, join us, in the effort to love the brokenhearted and help those in need, one extended hand at a time.
-Shannon Villanueva, President of Blessing Bags
“Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need, but does not help, then God’s love is not living in that person. My children, we should love people not only with words and talk, but by our actions and true caring.” ~ 1 John 3:17-18 ~
Volunteer Coordinators of San Antonio:
Marie Moreno
TG Manuagwu
Stephanie de Tournillon
When?
Every 3rd Saturday of the month.
Typical start time is 10am
Where?
300 Labor St, San Antonio, TX 78210-1061, United States
What is needed?
View Home page for all the info
Upcoming outreach dates.
April 30th 10:30 am
May 21st 10:30 am