Homeless is Not Hopeless
Casa de Belen and a homeless drop-in center of Roseburg, Oregon, benefit from a coalition of agencies and churches, including Faith Lutheran Church. In 2008, Faith Lutheran received a $3,000 Creative Ministry Grant from the Oregon Synod to help remodel a space for the drop-in center.
Homeless teenagers in Roseburg now have a place to wash their clothes, have a meal, finish homework and pick up mail thanks to the Douglas County Runaway and Homeless Drop-In Center. Homeless, in this case, means any young person who doesn't have a permanent address.
The Center is connected to Casa de Belen, a transitional housing facility where families with children can stay for as many as 18 months “to get back on their feet,” said Stephanie Roberts, activities director. The center is also a place where volunteers can help the homeless youth find services, such as medical care or counseling.