Homeless community finds 'generous' support at Mary, Queen of Peace Parish
SAMMAMISHBy John Wolcott
Hosting Tent City 4 is an inspiring experience for the homeless residents and the parishioners who welcomed them, according to Father Kevin Duggan, pastor of Mary, Queen of Peace Parish.
Arriving Oct. 19 from Redwood Family Church in Redmond, more than 65 residents of the mobile community settled into their new encampment on the southwest corner of the parish grounds.
Everything seems to be moving forward; we've had very good support, Father Duggan said Oct. 30. I was chatting with residents this morning and they are very appreciative of having some paved areas for their tents during winter rains.
Parishioners responded quickly to the call to help their homeless neighbors. We are truly overwhelmed by the generous level of support we've received for our Tent City 4 guests, said Kathi Rowley, pastoral assistant for stewardship. Within a week and a half of their arrival, we've already scheduled enough people to provide nearly two months of nightly dinners.
Father Duggan announced in mid-October that the parish was inviting the mobile community to become residents of the parish property for 60 days, plus another 30 days after an extended permit from the city is issued. Right from the start, the majority of parishioners have taken to this, although there are some who didn't support our decision, he said.
Every day, a steady flow of people arrives with donations of clothing, food, blankets and other needs for the tent city residents, Rowley said. Many parishioners have shared with me their gratitude that our parish was afforded this opportunity and want to know how to get involved and help out, she said.
We've also had great support from Eastside Catholic High School and Skyline High School, as well as from other churches in the area, Father Duggan said. The residents here have been very appreciative of the support they've received.
November 07, 2013