PRESS RELEASE

FISH OF WESTMINSTER PROGRAM AIDS 960 UNHOUSED CLIENTS IN THE FIRST FULL YEAR OF OPERATION

In late 2020, FISH of Westminster partnered with local resident Alan F to reach out to individuals experiencing homelessness to its other programs.  This outreach effort is designed to connect with individuals in South Westminster by reaching out to them on the street or near their camping sites.

On his own, Alan began to walk the areas in South Westminster where those experiencing homelessness congregate.  He soon connected with FISH of Westminster via the Westminster Presbyterian Church to obtain support for his efforts.  FISH of Westminster provides Alan with:

• prepackaged food such as sandwiches, fruit trays, ramen, and individual mac & cheese bowls;
• water;
• gloves;
• socks;
• underwear; and
• feminine hygiene products.

Using funds provided by businesses and citizens in Westminster to FISH of Westminster, Alan also distributed Walmart gift cards over December.  These cards could be used to purchase food, propane, socks, and other needed items available at Walmart.

In 2021, Alan connected with 15-20 people each week – usually a mix of people he met before and people experiencing homelessness for the first time – totaling over 750 contacts in 2021.

In addition to this new outreach effort, FISH continues to fund hygiene kits provided to clients experiencing homelessness at the Westminster Presbyterian Church FISH Food Pantry.  These hygiene kits are combined with food kits provided by the Church of Jesus Christ Westminster Stake and distributed to anyone seeking assistance from the food pantry.  208 food/hygiene kits were distributed in 2021.

FISH of Westminster is part of a coalition of non-profits, the city of Westminster, and Adams County working to assist those experiencing homelessness through food assistance, medical support, shelters, and government aid.