do justice, love mercy, walk humbly
do justice, love mercy, walk humbly
We are open for overnights again thanks to a 3 year STEPH Grant from NYS OTDA and a 2 year ARP grant from the city of Utica. We are still trying to recover from the expenses we incurred from the last couple of years but we are pushing through. Help from our many donors of food, finances, clothing, and other supplies and the work of faithful volunteers have made a difference and we are so thankful!
The Morrow Warming Center was started in December of 2020 in the midst of the pandemic as a low barrier/ harm reduction emergency overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness during NY's code blue season. It was named in honor of John and Lydia Morrow. John was a pastor at Plymouth Bethesda for 20 years and Lydia has been one of our large donors. We have added and continue to add services that help people experiencing homelessness to feel human and retain dignity. We desire to treat each person with care recognizing that all are children of God. We have a specific FB group where more information can be found. https://www.facebook.com/groups/430038701543837
Tithe.ly is a safe and easy way to partner with us in loving and serving our neighbors. Whether you choose to become a regular contributor or to give a one time gift, we really appreciate your support.
Click the button below to support the ministry of Cornerstone!
We are once again open nights for the serving of people who have no other option but sleeping on the streets. Thanks to receiving a STEPH grant from NYS OTDA and an ARP grant from the City of Utica we are able to open the doors for overnight. We have continued to work with the most chronically homeless individuals, many struggle with substance abuse issues, mental illness, cognitive delays, and extreme trauma, it has caused quite a backlash from our neighbors.
The clientele we serve often have too many barriers, too much trauma, and other issues that make them unable or willing to accept help from county services. We believe they also deserve our care and do not deserve to perish in extreme weather conditions. According to sound practices, low barrier Housing First solutions work, but most people are unwilling to accept that people in such extreme need should have anything but more punishment.
We continue to advocate and we have made significant strides which involve communication with both the City of Utica and Oneida County and other service providers. Our focus is to save lives and ultimately find housing stability for people who are currently living on the streets.
Pastor Mike spent a weekend outside as a protest of the invisibility of people living on the street.
Nimbyism is the 'Not in My Backyard' attitude that causes harm to people sleeping in the streets. "Yes, in my backyard" is a way that people can recognize the needs and support people who are extremely vulnerable to harm.
Ever Wonder What it Would Be Like to Live Homeless?
Mike Yankoski did more than just wonder. By his own choice, Mike's life went from upper-middle class plush to scum-of-the-earth repulsive overnight. With only a backpack, a sleeping bag and a guitar, Mike and his traveling companion, Sam, set out to experience life on the streets in six different cities—from Washington D.C. to San Diego—
We do our imperfect best to share Christ's love to all our homeless neighbors, whether through our SPARK open Art Studio or our Pool of SIloam foot care ministry. We are continually looking for valuable activities that bring people a return to dignity.
In Utica, 19 Lives of the un-housed were unnecessarily lost in 2023. Your contribution will save lives.