By: Peter Hightower, Assistant Media Relations Specialist
February 6 was an unusually busy day at Haven for Hope, San Antonio’s premiere transitional shelter for the area’s homeless population. Several local dignitaries were on hand as well as many local leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kenny Wilson, Haven’s President and CEO was hosting the group to celebrate the arrival of a large shipment of winter clothing and to accept a cash donation earmarked for the purchase of a new industrial washing machine and two dryers.
One easy to overlook area of physical support required to operate Haven is the laundry room. With over 1,700 full-time residents on any given day, the laundry-room runs nearly non-stop. Winter months are especially challenging due to the doubling in the number of blankets that the residents require. All those blankets, as well as bedding and other types of linens, need to be washed on a regular basis. Sometimes, the four industrial washers and dryers simply aren’t enough to meet the demand.
Enter the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Celeste Eggert, Haven’s Chief Development Officer, has spent the last two years building a strong relationship with local representatives of the Church. She was hopeful that they would be able to help with her dilemma and reached out to the Area Public Affairs team to share her concerns. Bishop Bruce Baillio working with Public Affairs put the proposal together, submitted through James Mears, President of the Church’s San Antonio East Stake. Together with Elder Carlos Villarreal, the Church’s Area Authority, they coordinated with Church Headquarters in Salt Lake City to arrange a significant donation of winter clothing and additional funds which will allow Haven to purchase brand new industrial-scale laundry equipment.
President Mears and Elder Villarreal were on location Wednesday to personally oversee the arrival of the shipment of clothing and to hand-deliver a check in the amount of $18,670.35 to Wilson who accepted it on behalf of Haven. “This is a holy work” Wilson told the group gathered around the open trailer backed up to the shipping dock. “We feel it everyday. There is a significant spiritual realm in the process of getting better and getting on your feet. While we love to focus on that, what makes it work is support like this. We treasure the physical support, and your prayers.”
Greg Brockhouse, The City Council Member for San Antonio’s District 6, also expressed his gratitude for the donation. “Those that have the least amongst us, deserve the most we can give. And what you’re giving today is a game changing opportunity. The work you’ve done in my community is exemplary …. It’s just such a positive work. On behalf of Mayor Nirenberg and the San Antonio City Council thank you for everything you do.”
Elder Villarreal explained how the opportunity to serve blesses everyone involved in the process. “We as a Church really want to emulate the path and the example of Jesus Christ to treat our neighbors as ourselves and even as we go forth and serve in the community, we are also benefactors. We truly feel that by serving, it’s not just about helping others, but that we walk away a better person for having given part of ourselves. So we are always grateful for the opportunity to serve in your city and your community.”
