200th Extended Family Move - Help a Family in Need

Faith Community Helps 200th Family In-Need

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church is set to celebrate their 200th Extended Family Move-In, in partnership with SHELTER, Inc. of Contra Costa County.

The Extended Family program was created in 1994 with a modest goal of assisting one homeless family per year by providing them with all the necessities to make their new apartment or house a home. It has grown into a sustainable mission that now provides move-in assistance to one family per month and will move-in their 200th family Saturday, February 8th.

SHELTER, Inc. Executive Director, Tim O’Keefe explains how Extended Family Program delivers more than just furniture and household items.

“It welcomes previously homeless families back into our communities with open arms and support. This only strengthens their ability to be self-sufficient and helps achieve our mission at SHELTER, Inc. of ending homelessness in Contra Costa County.”

Dozens of volunteers will meet at Walnut Creek United Methodist Church this weekend to collect used furniture and deliver hundreds of household items to a single mother with two children in the Pittsburg area. Necessary items such as beds, couches and pots and pans are just some of the requested items from the family and the church hopes to deliver it all. Church members of all ages will work together until the entire two-bedroom apartment is furnished and ready to live in, all in one day.

Rev. Eileen Lindsay explains “Our faith impels our actions and our faith renews hope. It is our goal through this program to give these families renewed faith and hope for a better future.”

When: Celebration for the 200th Move-In: Sunday, February 23rd following the church’s 9:30 AM service.

Where: Walnut Creek United Methodist Church. 1543 Sunnyvale Ave., Walnut Creek.