Under the Bridge (UTB) Outreach
Each Wednesday evening, Lost Sheep Ministry reaches approximately 300-450 people under the Interstate Bridge in downtown Knoxville. This location is in close proximity to Knoxville’s homeless service organizations, KCDC housing, and homeless neighbors who live outdoors in surrounding areas.
- Volunteer opportunity to help set up, serve and clean up
Before a Wednesday evening outreach is possible, exciting things take place behind the scenes…
Meals
This outreach is accomplished each week by a large team of volunteers. A hot meal is prepared in the LSM facility kitchen, and served at portable dining tables. Folks have a unique opportunity to relax, and form relationships with volunteers who are caring and non judgmental. A take-away bag of food is distributed to those who need additional food for the week. Families with low income are included.
- Volunteer opportunities for the kitchen Mon, Tues, Wed from 9:00am – 2:00pm, to help prepare food and snacks for the Wednesday evening meal
- Volunteer opportunity to clean and organize kitchen storage
- Volunteer opportunity to give a “shower” for new kitchen utensils
- Volunteer opportunity for receiving food donations, and organizing food pantry, walk-in freezer and refrigerator
- Volunteer opportunity for a van driver to pick up food on Tuesday and Thursday AM (we have the van!)
Clothing (ongoing need)
Homeless neighbors have little options for clothing. When clothes become soiled or wet, they must be discarded. Clothing is given free during the Wednesday evening outreach.
- Volunteer opportunity Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday to help sort clothing and size clothing.
Service
Prayer, a brief Christian message, music and special events are a part of each Wed evening service. This offers comfort inspiration, and a chance to hear the Gospel. Attendance is not required to receive services.
- Volunteers needed for drama, music and singing
Lost Sheep Facility – Warehouse (ongoing need)
Volunteers are always needed to assist in our warehouse. Thanks to all of the generous donations to our ministry, we have plenty to sort out and organize on a regular basis.
- Volunteer opportunity to help: organize, sort, clean, stock shelves, pick up donations, check donated equipment
Medical Outreach
A medical station is available with volunteer medical doctors, and nursing students on site to screen for high blood pressure and diabetes. First Aid is administered, and medical volunteers are alert to any emergency that may arise. Each week builds on forming a trusting relationship with the chronic homeless who do not frequent medical clinics. The goal is to help them establish permanent medical and mental health providers.
- Volunteer medical providers to commit once a month /every month
- Volunteers opportunity to help organize donations for medical outreach
Dental Outreach
Dentist and dental assistants may volunteer on a rotating basis for dentistry in the mobile unit.
- Beginning Spring 2011
Single Mother’s Supplementary Meal Assistance
This provides food for single mothers who are struggling to make ends meet. Toward the end of the month when food sources are depleted, KCDC provides a list of those families living at North Ridge Crossing Apartments who need groceries. Relationships are developed to offer encouragement and support.
- Volunteer teams needed to help distribute food to single Mothers.
- Volunteer opportunity in warehouse to prepare food boxes.
Nightclub Guardian Angels
Each Saturday night in Knoxville’s Old City, Lost Sheep volunteers intervene to help young people for whom a “good time” has gone too far. Between 11:00 pm. to 4:00 am, volunteers offer a safe place, food, coffee, prayer, and an opportunity to sober up before driving home. If needed, a call to a friend or family member, or a taxi cab, gets them safely home. In case of emergency, volunteers are alert to call an ambulance, when an overdose of alcohol or drugs is involved. March – October
- Mature and committed volunteers needed to help facilitate program. Must be physically able to volunteer late nights and still attend their church Sunday morning.
Living Stone Rehab Program
Many times addictions must be overcome in order for individuals to have hope, health and wholeness. Lost Sheep Ministry helps facilitate admission, transportation and financial assistance to long term, intensive Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. By applying Biblical principles, people become mentally and emotionally sound and begin a new life in Christ.
- Volunteers opportunity to financially assist individuals to enter rehabilitation.
Bible Study and mentoring Outreach
Knoxville’s homeless neighbors gather for fellowship and a Bible study under the interstate bridge. Authentic friendships are formed, with a time of discussion on Biblical issues, encouragement, problem solving and referrals to other homeless service providers, if needed.
- Volunteers needed to help gather large print Bibles and reading glasses.