New Space Encourages New Ideas

Crisis Ministries‘ new building is rapidly taking shape these days. This new facility, including a men’s shelter with designated beds for homeless veterans, a new kitchen and dining room, and additional administrative offices, will enable Crisis Ministries to expand their efforts to end homelessness. For several years, Crisis Ministries staff, board members, and volunteers have been exploring successful, innovative programs that address homelessness all around the country. In 2011, GreenBy3’s Jorge Riano was part of a delegation from Crisis Ministries that visited FareStart in Seattle Washington. Founded in 1992, FareStart provides homeless and disadvantaged people with life skills, job training, and employment in the food service industry. Partnering with local chefs and restaurants, participants learn to cook and manage commercial restaurant operations. The FareStart restaurant, open for business one night a week, is a popular dining spot in Seattle. On each “open to the public” night, program participants work under the tutelage of a local guest chef and community volunteers are the wait staff and hostesses. Recent program reports indicate...