Author: sherrysimon

Dear Pantry volunteers,
The beginnings of Fall are making an appearance right on time after our Labor Day holiday! Thank you for taking the time out during this extra busy time of year to work with us at Pax Christi LR and Settled Souls to help our neighbors move into their new homes. Providing fresh and staple foods for these folks increases their sense of security in their new space and makes a positive difference in their lives. Our next food pantry packing meeting will be held at the Dining Hall in St. John’s Center on Sunday, October 2 at 3 pm. Please bring all of your assigned foods. We will be packing 5 tubs to be used on future moves. God bless each one of you always!

In August, Settled Souls moved three individuals into homes of their own in Little Rock. On August 16, Mike and the CTK Settled Souls team helped settle in Eddie. Eddie had a series of unfortunate events happen in his life that contributed to him becoming homeless. However, he has taken many steps to get back on his feet. He now has a place of his own and is working full-time and doing great! Lee Bass provided the pantry box food and helped with the move.

On August 25, Settled Souls settled Robert into his apartment home. When Robert was in California, family challenges and the loss of a job during the pandemic contributed to his homelessness. Robert moved to Arkansas from California for a fresh start and is now in the process of getting back on his feet. He is so grateful for the help he has received from organizations in Little Rock such as Jericho Way, Canvas Church and Settled Souls. Robert said that he was amazed how quickly his apartment could feel more like home. Lee and Agnes Bass supplied the food and helped with the move. On August 30, the CTK Settled Souls team helped Xavier settle into his new home. Xavier had been homeless for six months due to housing challenges. He was very grateful for the help with home goods, especially for the furniture and accessories in his bedroom. Mary Hunt provided the Pax Christi pantry start-up and also helped in the move.

Greetings to our wonderful Pantry Box volunteers. April was a very busy month. Settled Souls assisted in moves for four individuals and Pax Christi was able to provide a start-up supply of staples, canned foods, meats and other fresh foods. Thank you for everything you do!

On April 6, Settled Souls housed Hasaunee. Hausanee was born and raised in New York. She worked as an ER nurse before she became disabled. Her support system consists of her son and her mother who live in Illinois. She has been in Arkansas since September of 2021, living out of her car. She was very happy to have a home again and was thankful for the food provided by the Pax Christi food pantry team (Larry and Carol Lantz). In her spare time, Hausanee likes to listen to audio books and music.

Stephen was settled into his home on April 14. He was born in Athens, Greece. Stephen is from a military family and was raised in South Korea and Turkey. For many years, he worked in the painting and construction business. Due to some family issues, however, he has not had a home of his own for 10-12 years. He lived with his mother for some time but has lived either in his van or camped for the past three years. Stephen has three children and remains close to his mother. He was extremely grateful to have a comfortable home again.

On April 19, Settled Souls and Pax Christi helped a woman who asked that her name be kept confidential. She was born and raised in Pine Bluff, AR where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She has not been able to find jobs that paid her enough to have her own home. She lived in public housing in Pine Bluff until 2005. Through the help of Our House, she was able to build a resume and is currently working in an office and computer lab. This is her first time working out of her home in many years. She has four adult children and grandchildren. Her support system includes her sister and some close friends. She has been able to make many positive changes in her life recently and is very thankful for the generosity of everyone who has helped her.

On April 28, Settled Souls and Pax Christi helped move Donald into his first “home of his own.” Donald is a middle-aged gentleman who has slept on the streets or in abandoned houses for the past four years. He lost his family because of his drug and alcohol addiction. With the help of the church he attends, he has been able to turn his life around. His past work experience was in food service. He loves to cook and is looking forward to having a kitchen to cook in. Donald’s hobbies include watching sports and walking.