We can't deny our privilege and power when we're serving people in encampments. The only appropriate exercise of privilege is to benefit the people we serve. Period.


Our work also comes with a degree of responsibility to do no harm. We are doing it wrong if the way we move and the things we do jeopardizes the people we serve.


We are also responsible to protect our volunteers.


It's hard, but when we do it right, it's super rewarding for our guests and volunteers. I told someone yesterday one of the best parts of my job is witnessing volunteers grow in confidence in their roles, communicating authentically, and building real connections with the people they serve. It's the best! And it's the point!


Our work is not just the actual lunches and showers. It's about the people making the lunches, delivering the lunches, and cleaning the showers too.

People frequently tell us they feel overwhelmed by the homeless situation and they don't think their efforts will matter unless they are MACRO. 

They think God wants them to cure homelessness. However, there is so much in between the macro and doing what you CAN DO.

PROVIDE FOOD FOR OUR OUTREACH!

Every Wednesday for the last 3 years we have been committed to direct outreach in the River District. We deliver brown bag lunches, hot coffee, water, hygiene products and other basic necessities.  Our outreach program is dependent on donations. Donating the food for our program is volunteering. The truth is not everyone is equipped, or even wants to go out on the streets. 

Click on the images above to donate to our food program. 

Volunteer at Trackside ministry (church in the streets)!

Be Encouraged is faith based. We are not ashamed of the Gospel, we pray freely, but we don't proselytize. No one we serve is required to do anything to earn our food, hygiene or kindness.


In November we became aware of Trackside Ministry who holds church every Sunday in the River District. They are happy for us to come alongside them with volunteers and to help spread the word. Having a direct connection on the streets to the body of Christ is a huge blessing.


We feed people first. There's worship, a sermon, announcements and lots of prayer.


Service starts at 10:30am on the corner of North B and Ahern Streets. Volunteers for set-up arrive at 10am. E-mail taralouise@beencouragedinc.com to RSVP.


Join on us every Wednesday for direct outreach into unhoused encampments. We deliver lunches, hygiene, clothes and seasonally appropriate supplies. 

Potential volunteers must be able to walk up to 2 miles or stand for 2 hours.  Email taralouise@beencouragedinc.com to RSVP.

What Our volunteers say...

"I started volunteering with Be Encouraged Inc. in February of 2022.  I don’t know whose lives were changed more, the unhoused or my own.  Learning to value every person, without passing judgement for their circumstances or outward appearance, has changed my life and given me purpose. I am humbled and motivated by the opportunity created by Be Encouraged Inc. to treat people with compassion and be a positive interaction in their day, through this I believe lives are being changed. " Kellie James, Volunteer

"Be Encouraged has done well in showing me  that we are all made in the image of God and deserving of goodness and kindness from one another.  My favorite part of serving is  experiencing the gratitude from the people we serve as we pray for their needs...I am moved by their appreciation! I pray Be Encouraged Inc continues to allow me to serve God with them by serving our community." Charleen (Volunteer)

"I really like how we go to where people are. Going out to people instead of them having to go somewhere and wait in a long line give them more dignity and respect. It also shows that we see them and we care. I have been very blessed already by serving. I feel connected to others and to God when we serve. I have more gratitude for everything I have and I also am able to see how easy my life is. When it rained overnight recently it hit me that it didn't really affect me at all but it would be another difficulty for someone that is unhoused. The only ask I can think of is more food and blankets so we can serve more people when we go out." Leah (Volunteer)


"I am still trying to figure out the right adjective to describe how I've been feeling about Saturday. Humbled of course but it's so much more than that. Blessed to have been a small part and honored to know women and men who lead their lives with the heart of Jesus. I will return."  Elaine (Saturday showers)


 "It was truly a pleasure to participate in this loving and thoughtful community ministry. I have only visited Midtown 3 times and am loving it so far! Tuesday’s opportunity to serve was an extension of what I have been doing as a solo effort for months. Such welcoming people- Lovely!" Camille (Tuesday packing party)