For the holidays and all days, how Wilmington charities ramp up work to help the homeless

Cheryl M. Whitaker, Wilmington StarNews
·4 min read

Homelessness is an issue that doesn't just occur for the holidays. It is a year-round problem.

Winter will be upon the Wilmington area soon and the homeless will need help more than ever. These four charities are accepting donations to help.

First Fruit Ministries team delivering hot meals to homeless camps.
First Fruit Ministries team delivering hot meals to homeless camps.

First Fruit Ministries

First Fruit Ministries is a nonprofit organization focused on finding holistic solutions to homelessness and human trafficking. The team bring hot meals to homeless individuals living on the streets and build relationships with them to identify their needs and connect them with shelter, substance abuse treatment, and medical care. The nonprofit also offers supportive housing to victims of human trafficking to help them recover from trauma and begin rebuilding their lives to become self-sufficient.

These programs are offered year-round.

  • Homeless day shelter: Offers showers, a laundromat, hot meals, clothing, and a free medical clinic on Thursdays. Hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays (for women only), 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursdays, and 3-5:15 p.m. Sundays.

  • Food panty: Open 10 a.m.-noon Mondays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m-1 p.m. Wednesdays.

  • Homeless individuals can receive a hot meal at 5:15 p.m. Wednesdays at Sixth and Market streets, Wilmington.

Good Shepherd Center

The Good Shepherd Center, the largest providers of homeless services in the tri-county region, helps the homeless in the area – every day of the year.

Throughout the holiday season, the center distributes new hats, and gloves. During the holiday giveaway, the center also donates new toys for all ages. The center promotes a holiday Amazon wish list so the many supporters can provide the most critical needs for shelter guests. To donate to the Amazon holiday wish list, visit  https://www.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/lists/56-1566178/ref=smi_cl_ls_llol_lol.

More:How can you help a Wilmington homeless shelter better support struggling families?

More:From homeless, to renting in Wilmington

The center also encourages food drives to ensure hungry neighbors have not only the basics, but all the things they need to create a festive holiday meal.

The Good Shepherd Center is in need of cough drops, wallets, duffle bags, adult backpacks, and men and women’s new underwear (all sizes.)

Donations can be dropped off 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the back door of the Good Shepherd Center, 811 Martin St., Wilmington. (Clothing donations are not being accepted until after the new year).

More:What to know about Wilmington's new plan to help homeless people downtown

Family Promise of the Lower Cape Fear

Family Promise of the Lower Cape Fear is a community response agency for families facing homelessness through various programs. Family Promise Emergency Shelter Program (Wilmington Interfaith Hospitality Network) can host up to four families at one time. Area congregations volunteer to house and feed families through out the year. There is also an interim and transitional housing program for the families. Family Promise of the Lower Cape Fear provides services for families who have been victim to domestic violence.

Family Promise is in need of laundry detergent (pods preferred) and dish soap. If you are able to donate, please contact admin@familypromiselcf.org.

Family Promise is also accepting sponsors for its pre-New Year's Eve golf ball drop to be held Wednesday, Dec. 28. Participants have a chance to win $1,000, and other great prizes. For more information about the golf ball drop, please visit www.familypromise/lowercaperfear.org, call 910-769-4730 or email director@familypromiselcf.org.

More:From homeless to Army officer, Wilmington man perseveres to lead 'something special'

Vigilant Hope

Vigilant Hope work to be an active part of the communities, by eating together, praying together and being in relationship with one another.

Something many people take for granted is access to running water. When Vigilant Hope first began talking to people who faced homelessness, the nonprofit learned that a lack of access to showers was a huge problem in Wilmington. Vigilant Hope launched a shower trailer to provide hygiene supplies and hot showers throughout the week.

More:'Critical point': New facility in Southport to aid homeless families

These are the following donations that Vigilant Hope are requesting:

  • Cotton swabs

  • Deodorant (women and men)

  • Warm weather sleeping bags

  • Hand warmers

  • Tents (3-4 person size)

  • Backpacks

  • Small bottles of lotion

  • Conditioner

  • Ladies underwear (Size medium-2XL)

  • Wet wipes

  • Razors

  • Tarps

  • Men's boxers (Medium-2XL, no briefs please)

  • Men's undershirts (Size large and XL)

Items can be order online at Amazon Wish List. Donations can be dropped off 8-10 a.m. Mondays and Saturdays at Vigilant Hope, 1626 Lake Branch Drive, Wilmington.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: For holidays and all days, how Wilmington charities are helping people