It has been quite a year for Manna Homeless Society being fortunate to meet the changing needs of the less fortunate of Oceanside.
One of the more staggering statistics this year was going from handing out 1700 survival bags in 2012 to this year an amazing amount of over 2400 individual bags were handed out to meet the needs of the less fortunate in 2013. Each one designed to help the individual or in some cases couples or families needing our assistance.
This could range from food, camping gear such as tents, tarps, sleeping bags, blankets, cook stoves, flashlights, winter and summer coats, socks, gloves, hats, to personal items for ladies, men and children. By doing this it brought quality and safety into many people’s lives and had an amazing effect on the people of Oceanside.
The Manna Van has become a Beacon of hope for many needy residents. As you can see from these numbers people of all ages and sex who depend on us on a weekly basis.
We have been able to assist all calls during the week and weekends never leaving anyone without attention who needs our service.
We have continued to build trust with many other groups and Societies as well as individuals who continue to fund us so we can meet the needs and purchases for the less fortunate.
As you can see there has been an incredible increase for our service with this 40% increase this past year.
We realize for us to continue we will need continued support from those who assist us, but we need to build a bigger base of people to team with us.
It is great that we are 100% volunteers and that we can give out a tax receipt to those who assist us but we will need other ideas this year to keep with the increase we are expecting due to these economic times.
So let’s get the word out for Manna Homeless Society this year and be open to suggestions from the general public.
Thanks to everyone who has volunteered, given of their time and have financially assisted us to change lives in Oceanside.
Robin Campbell
Manna Homeless Society