Story
Bethel UMC was one of five churches that helped to launch the Prince William County Homeless Program on February 1, 1987. First housed in churches and manned by volunteers, the shelter needed a permanent home. Cooperative Council of Churches (CCoM) promised the Prince William County Board of Supervisors that the churches would provide necessities such as meals and toiletries to the homeless county residents if the Prince William County government would fund a permanent center. The first center was in an old motel which CCoM volunteers renovated and furnished. A second center constructed in the early 1990's replaced the first and was later renamed the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center in honor of Supervisor Hilda Barg who requested that the new shelter be built in her jurisdiction. The Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center was opened in 1991 and Bethel UMC has continuously participated in various services and provided meals for one week twice a year.
Special Notes
Please continue to drop your meals off hot and ready to serve between 6:15 and 6:30. If you are going to be late please call in advance and let the staff know (703-792-8810). For the next day lunch program only those who are providing on Tuesdays and Thursdays are asked to bring the 1lb lunch meat, 1lb cheese and 1 loaf of bread. The staff will make the sandwiches to order. If all groups would bring one gallon each of milk and orange juice for next day breakfast that would be great. If you would like to bring some fruit, breakfast sandwiches, frozen waffles, etc. but just enough for your date that would be well received. I say "just enough" because the center can easily become overwhelmed with food donations and then be concerned about wasting food.
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