HoodOutreach
HoodOutreach is a local Visalia street ministry that desires to bring Jesus outside of the four walls of church communities, to the places where darkness, addiction, and violence reign. Taking back the authority over our brothers and sisters lives in the streets, HoodOutreach provides hope, love, and new beginnings.
Prior to COVID regulations, HoodOutreach provided church services at the Oval Park in Visalia, CA on Saturday's. It was our heart to be seed planters, showing up rain or shine, to tell our forever family they're not forgotten. During these events we would worship with music, share a word of scripture, and walk the park with prayer and donations collected throughout the community.
You can also find us doing a variety of events to benefit the homeless throughout the year. There is more to what we do than simply feed and supply the homeless with necessities. Our group comprises of various people from all walks of life with one thing in common: we know what it's like to be in their shoes in one way or another and desire to love them where they are, as Jesus would. We consider those who are still homeless or addicts family, so we treat them as such.
Since COVID turned our world upside down, you'd think that ministry would have slown down. However, the opposite reaction took place. We watched the body of Christ become more hungry to remind our brothers and sisters still lost in the streets that change, joy, and redemption is possible, and that there is a God who loves them as they are, where they are. Since COVID became a life-changing experience globally, our ministry team has grown exponentially, and the community has shown up to provide the needs our forever family has.
We were no longer able to enter the Oval Park with a permit, but we refused to tell our forever family we could no longer visit them, pray for them, and spend time with them. Instead, we reached out even wider by spreading ourselves throughout the entire city of Visalia. Members of the community showed up with masks, hand sanitizer, and food to say, "you're not forgotten," as the streets of our cities quieted, churches closed their doors, and others stopped feeding. However, the body of Christ truly came together to be the hands and feet of Jesus during a difficult time for our entire planet and nation.
Our time with our forever family has been spent being a voice for Jesus, reminding them a way out of this lifestyle is still possible. If you knew the pasts of most members of Team Jesus, you'd know we are living proof that God saves.
There are 4 ways you can help HoodOutreach in our ministry...
Join us during outreach times
Offer Financial Donations
Food Donations
Necessity items (hygiene, clothes, etc.) for Outreaches
Financial Donations:
We don't spend a lot of time seeking donations, but we know that is sometimes what members of the body of Christ are called to do. Your financial contribution helps keep our outreaches going to provide food, necessities, & even gas to drive someone ready to get off the streets into a program -- no matter the distance!
Use either PayPal or Venmo by clicking below or make a check out to The Life Church Visalia*, referencing HoodOutreach and mail to: 27426 Rd 148, Visalia, CA 93292
*donations are tax deductible through The Life Church VisaliaFood Donations:
We have been blessed by the best with our very own food minister, Bea, from The Life Church Visalia. She gets excited to shop and cook for the food we provide our forever family every time we go out. However, if you'd like to provide things like snacks, food to match what Bea makes, or drinks, please do! We know that this is your time to seek God and ask Him your role in all of this. So, do as your heart feels led!
Items for Homeless Outreaches:
There's a long list of items that we can use for Homeless Outreaches. This can be anything from blankets, clothes, and shoes, to hygiene products and snacks. There is a constant need for these items and they're often used as seed planters, as many are more willing to hear about love when love is being shown!
Please view the list below for ideas on what you can give!
Giving Ideas:
Clothing:
Jackets
Hoodies
Sweaters
Socks
Gloves
Shoes
Hygiene:
Hand Sanitizer
Toothpaste & Toothbrushes
Deodorant
Female Hygiene
Lotion
Shampoo/Conditioner
Fingernail Clippers
Razors
Food Snacks:
Top Ramen
Cup-o-Noodles
Tuna Packets
Chips/Crackers
Fruit Snacks
Water/Juice
Nuts
Other:
AA/AAA Batteries
Flashlights
Blankets
Sleeping Bags
Backpacks/Bags
Tents
Tarps
Bike Repair Kits
We normally do Christmas in the park, but this year, because of COVID, we're going to be like Jesus in the role of Santa Claus... traveling throughout the whole city delivering the good news of Jesus, joy, gifts, and warm food on Christmas night.
This means that Team Jesus will be going under the overpasses, on the railroad tracks, and anywhere else our forever family is staying, to bring a family Christmas to them!
If you'd like to participate, let us know!