It is so different now than not so many years ago.I used to look for things to read. Now I almost avoid it, because it comes from all directions: the newspaper, the magazines I have unsubscribed to, but that still keep coming, the TV, the computer, the mail, the two thousand books (no exaggeration here) that we own, and the proliferating instruction booklets. When I think now about adding to the profusion of information, it seems redundant to add more stuff to the overabundance.
Having said that, I will add to it, anyway. The reason is that I want to communicate with those of you out there who are interested in My Friend's House. Judging from the response we get, that number is far larger than I would have predicted and is growing. So this blog will be an effort to keep you apprised of those parts that might interest you. And yes, I will ask for donations.
My Friend's House (legal name: Marshall's My Friend's House, Inc.) is a nonprofit Texas corporation, and has been granted 501 (c) (3) status by the IRS. We began with the idea of trying to meet some needs for folks around here. We did this because of a calling we have to try to do a little of what Jesus taught.
So we bought an old house (the one pictured below) and set about trying to listen to the needs of the folks.
In the two years since then, we have listened, helped a little, made many mistakes, and have decided that what the greatest need is that we could help with is housing. No great surprise there, as all one has to do to understand that is watch the news.
We are not looking at making any attempt to salvage oversized mortgages--couldn't if we wanted to, and have never thought it to be a good idea to buy those McMansions without the ability to pay--but to help those who need to make a new start, or who need a place out of the rain or heat to sleep.
For about a year and a half we have operated a thrift store stocked by donations from a lot of you. We sell items to raise funds for the ministry, and give items to those who need them. Some weeks it is about even: we sell as much as we give away. Some weeks it is the opposite. Whichever, we have never kept up with the supply of donations. I don't think we ever will. People are generous, and keep giving, for which we are thankful.
At this point we are in the process of having a building moved onto ten acres we own to develop a homeless shelter. Again, people are generous, and giving of their time, money, and possessions to make this possible.
This is about enough nattering for today. Other tasks call (after all, it is Labor Day). The first picture below is the house we have been in for two years, as it was when we purchased it.
The garage portion and about a third of the house have been moved onto the land. The remainder, plus the building for the store, are waiting for a suitable day for moving houses.
My Friend's House (legal name: Marshall's My Friend's House, Inc.) is a nonprofit Texas corporation, and has been granted 501 (c) (3) status by the IRS. We began with the idea of trying to meet some needs for folks around here. We did this because of a calling we have to try to do a little of what Jesus taught.
So we bought an old house (the one pictured below) and set about trying to listen to the needs of the folks.
In the two years since then, we have listened, helped a little, made many mistakes, and have decided that what the greatest need is that we could help with is housing. No great surprise there, as all one has to do to understand that is watch the news.
We are not looking at making any attempt to salvage oversized mortgages--couldn't if we wanted to, and have never thought it to be a good idea to buy those McMansions without the ability to pay--but to help those who need to make a new start, or who need a place out of the rain or heat to sleep.
For about a year and a half we have operated a thrift store stocked by donations from a lot of you. We sell items to raise funds for the ministry, and give items to those who need them. Some weeks it is about even: we sell as much as we give away. Some weeks it is the opposite. Whichever, we have never kept up with the supply of donations. I don't think we ever will. People are generous, and keep giving, for which we are thankful.
At this point we are in the process of having a building moved onto ten acres we own to develop a homeless shelter. Again, people are generous, and giving of their time, money, and possessions to make this possible.
This is about enough nattering for today. Other tasks call (after all, it is Labor Day). The first picture below is the house we have been in for two years, as it was when we purchased it.
The garage portion and about a third of the house have been moved onto the land. The remainder, plus the building for the store, are waiting for a suitable day for moving houses.
The house looks bigger than I remember. I forgot there were porches upstairs and down.
ReplyDeleteLove the Blog. Much easier to keep up than a web site.
Can't wait for the pictures of the new buildings if/when the state lets you move them in.
The last comment was a bit confusing, it sounds like we are moving the house at 212 W Bowie, not the scout hut.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the confusion. The Bowie house will stay right where it is.
ReplyDelete