I have a newfound passion and initiative for helping the homeless. It is very disenchanting to see how many homeless people live on the streets in Cumberland County. So on Friday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the VFW Post 6018 on 116 Chance St., the Fayetteville Cumberland County Ministerial Council, the United Way of Cumberland County and community partners will host the 3rd Annual Homeless and Hunger Stand Down.

“The purpose is to bring nonprofi t organizations, churches and the community together to give information to those individuals who are in need and to make them productive members of society again,” said Bishop Larry O. Wright Sr., chairman of the Homeless and Hunger Stand Down. “Our goal is to serve 1,500 people.”

Wright added that service to our fellow man in the time of need is one of the greatest services that we can provide therefore giving glory to God.

The event will begin with an opening ceremony that will be attended by members of local city councils, county commissioners and organizations throughout the Cumberland County area. There will be 35 to 40 agencies who are responsible for everything from providing educational resources to helping individuals with job searches.

Some of the organizations will provide free lunches, free haircuts, medical and dental assistance, prescription assistance, identifi cation services, child care assistance, VA and housing assistance, educational opportunities and other areas of need.

The Salvation Army will provide a hot meal, with a goal of serving around 900 meals. This year a scholarship will be given to a homeless child.

“We are going to give out clothes, coats, hats and gloves for the winter season,” said Wright. “The police department will be on hand to give out free bus tickets for those who are homeless and not residents of Cumberland County and want to get home totheir families.”

The Piece Magazine will provide gospel entertainment for the event to provide an atmosphere of celebration and hope for everyone.

There will be free transportation provided by the FAST bus system to and from the event.

The Fayetteville Cumberland County Ministerial Council is well known and has been around for 53 years and has taken this outreach opportunity to another level.

“I want the Fayetteville Ministerial Council to get involved in many more outreach events,” said Wright. “I want to be known for more than a bunch of ministers who sit around and eat and fellowship.”

Wright added that they want to be known as a council that gets out in the community and works.

For more information about the stand down, call (910) 568-4276 or send an email to healthelandmin@aol.com.