Written by Rev. Kevin Schill

Dear Friends and Supporters of The Dignity Center,
I would like to share with you the heart of what makes The Dignity Center such a special place of hope and support for those who come seeking help and fellowship. It is the 19 volunteers who so graciously and generously give their time, their experience, their compassion, and their wisdom to everyone who walks into The Dignity Center. They come from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, but each is committed to offering hope, guidance, and deep caring to people in some of the most difficult and uncertain times of their lives.
The most common issue that brings people to The Dignity Center is housing. Whether it is the need for immediate emergency shelter, moving from shelter into more permanent housing, or working to stabilize a housing situation to avoid falling into homelessness, safe, secure, sustainable housing is key to bringing a sense of hope, wellbeing, and stability to those who come through our door.
As you might imagine, each situation is as unique as the individuals who come seeking help. There is no one-size-fits-all or cookie cutter approach that can “fix” the problem. What people find when they come to The Dignity Center is, first and foremost, hospitality and respect. They find caring people who take the time to truly listen and to understand, not just the immediate sense of crisis that may have brought the person in, but the broader picture of how to help the person move to a place of greater stability and sustainability in their lives.
It is here, my friends, at The Dignity Center, that Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church most fully touches, embraces, and offers love to our neighbors. And it is through our wonderful volunteers that people in need, often feeling lost and afraid, find grace, hope, and real direction. As we enter this New Year, and especially this season of Epiphany, I invite you to prayerfully consider being a part of this ministry. Perhaps you could give your time and care as a volunteer. Our hospitality volunteers provide sack lunches, coffee, snacks and warm fellowship for those who come. Our advocates meet one-on-one with clients to listen and to help each person to identify, develop, and implement plans that will help them to achieve greater stability and sustainability in their lives. If you would like to learn more, please contact me at [email protected], call (612) 435-1315, or stop by and visit us Monday, Wednesday, or Friday morning from 9-11:30am. We would love to see you.
Finally, if you would like to thank our amazing volunteers, then give to support the work that they do. It is your gifts that make possible the ministry of Hennepin Avenue Church that is The Dignity Center.
Blessings,
Pastor Kevin Schill
Interim Director