St. John's
Lutheran Church

Each year in Madison over 3500 people experience homelessness. There can be a wide-range of reasons for this. Poverty is the main reason. Many people—even if they are employed—can’t afford high rents and are forced to live on the streets. Other reasons for homelessness include violence or the threat of violence—this is especially true of homeless women. Many homeless people also have issues with mental health. Assorted other reasons for homelessness can include physical disability and divorce.

 

St. John’s is one of several churches in partnership with Porchlight to volunteer each month by providing a hot meal for the homeless at the men’s shelter located at Grace Episcopal Church on the capitol square. St. John’s has been providing this meal and a follow up breakfast the next morning for nearly forty-years. St. John’s provides its meal to the shelter on the third Sunday of every month. Depending on the time of the year we provide meals for 75-150 homeless people per month.

 

Our typical meal includes a hot and hearty bowl of Chili Mac. Along with this we also offer salads, fruit, desserts and sandwiches. We also provide milk, orange juice and cereal for breakfast. We are always looking for additional volunteers either to prepare the meals or also to help serve. Our commitment to the homeless in our community is one of our proudest traditions at St. John’s.