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The Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS) hosted its third annual Blessings Banquet over the weekend. Executive members shared financial updates on the organization, a report on the night shelter program, and encouraged more churches to join the organization.

During the year’s first quarter, over $11,000 was given to people to help pay rent, bills, security deposits, and other needs to help prevent homelessness.

“We want to know that we are celebrating because most time when you think about the idea of homelessness, it’s sad, it’s a sad story,” said CAPS Executive Director Sharon Holland. “But tonight, we change all of that, because we’re transforming lives through Jesus Christ.”

Holland gave an update on what CAPS has done during the year’s first quarter: $8,434 split between 27 people for rent assistance, $2,000 to six households for security deposits, $200 given toward one water bill, and $717.58 split among three people for other needs such as work clothing, car maintenance, and transportation. 

She added that since CAPS started 12 years ago, over 2,000 households have been stabilized. 

“Every one of these numbers represent a story, a family, a neighbor, a moment where church stepped in and said, ‘You’re not alone,’” she said. 

Karla Sanchez is a CAPS volunteer who helps organize the community kitchen and the night shelter program.

The community kitchen was started in October 2023 and had three guests show up on the first day. Last week, at the most recent kitchen event, Sanchez said 50 meals were made. 

“I was really impressed to see how many children were there and how hungry they were,” she said. “So we all need to remember that homelessness is not just the man drunk on the corner or the guy [who is] mentally ill. We have a lot of children suffering from food insecurity.”

Every year, CAPS tries to facilitate a night shelter program during winter. Ideally, 12 to 14 churches will take turns volunteering their space for a week to provide the homeless community a warm place to stay.

This year’s night stay program started Jan. 1, lasted six weeks, and saw 43 total guests. 289 volunteers helped facilitate the program, along with 30 churches offering services however they could contribute. 

“It’s just an unbelievable program, and it’s such a great need for the city of Suffolk,” Sanchez said. “We had guests that came from different places because they couldn’t find a place to live, and all the other cities, they were packed, and we were able to help them.”

She emphasized that even if a church may not have the ability to provide their space for a week, there are many other ways they can contribute such as giving haircuts, doing laundry, supplying food, or providing volunteers.

City Treasurer Ronald Williams was the night’s keynote speaker, and he reflected on where CAPS began and how it has grown.

Pastor Myrtle Francis Hatcher of Main Street United Methodist Church started CAPS in 2012 after she noticed homeless people asking churches for money. She knew there must have been a better way to provide help to those in need.

“Pastor Myrtle had had a vision, and she put it into action,” Williams said. “And as I sat there and watched the [Pope’s] funeral this morning, I drew the conclusion that had Myrtle not done that, I don’t think this would have ever happened, because it was her. Her personality, her sincerity, her compassion, her love, her kindness, rolled into one big package in this little lady that loved and loved to have fun.”

He also mentioned the city’s efforts to convert the Regal Inn on Pruden Boulevard into a homeless shelter. 

Oakland Christian United Church of Christ Pastor Jason Stump presented the banquet’s giving appeal. Currently serving on the CAPS executive board, Stump has a long history with the organization as he used to drive the bus for the night shelter program.

“Tonight, I’ve been asked to share with you from my heart and invite you to join in something sacred, because what I’m going to ask you to do is a sacred act, and that’s investing in people,” he said. “Families in our community are facing overwhelming challenges.”

Stump urged individuals to donate to CAPS, and for nonmember churches to join the coalition. 

“A gift of $50 can fill an empty gas tank and get a parent to work or to night classes,” he said. “$100 can buy groceries for a family. $250 can keep the lights on for a struggling household. $500 can sometimes, it’s getting a little harder now, but stop an eviction or keep a child in their home, because every child should be in the home. And $1,000 can be the amount that stabilizes the family and connects them to some more long term support.”