Online Archives

Ministry offers ‘manna’ to the poor

BALTIMORE – The Rev. Rod Miller, conference Director of Connectional Ministries, was one of nine people from the Baltimore Regional Team who recently spent time at Manna House doing hands-on mission.

They served breakfast, packed hygiene kits, met with staff and had a tour of the ministry. “It was a moving and eye opening experience to see and take part in this well-run and compassionate ministry in our city,” he said.

Manna House, on East 25th St., not far from Lovely Lane UMC, has been in the city for 43 years. Today Manna House serves 175 people per day with hot meals, clothing, showers, health screenings and counseling services.

“What really touched me,” said Sandra Cockrell, was when four children walked in. I knew children were homeless, too, but actually seeing them was a wake-up call.”

The clientele has changed over the years, said Esther Reaves, the longtime director. “Initially, (it) was largely made up of men in their 40s who had lost family, job, house and car.” Today the homeless population is much more diverse. “We see many younger people in their 20s from intact families, single-parent families, women, children, youth and young adults,” she said.

To find out more about this ministry, go to its Web site at www.manahouseinc.org.