The partnership that Christ Lutheran Church has with Gather the Spirit is really important and vital to helping serve our neighbors. Without Gather the Spirit, there are many people who would be going without basic necessities like toiletries, IDs, ESL materials, and more. While these materials are essential, they are tools that enable Gather the Spirit to provide something vital – connecting with people, creating and supporting community, and helping people to see their worth and value as human beings.
Rev. Matthew Best
Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church
The Unitarian Church of Harrisburg (UCH) for many years has been familiar with and has supported the services provided by Gather the Spirit for Justice (GTS) to the residents of Harrisburg’s Allison Hill community.
Our relationship began when GTS used UCH’s church building in Allison Hill to serve monthly Saturday breakfasts and to provide other services during the week. Although UCH no longer owns a building in Allison Hill, we continue to contribute to GTS’s financial needs. UCH members continue to volunteer their time at GTS’s current location. Members of UCH faithfully respond to GTS’s requests for specific needs, such as toiletries.
Except for a time during Covid, GTS has continued to provide Common Ground Coffee every Saturday. As the word and the need have spread, the number of neighbors attending has greatly increased during the past year. This place for people to come every week is important for the coffee and food offered. It is also important for the opportunity that it provides for residents to gather, share conversation, and find out about other services provided by GTS and other organizations in the community. The need for this service has increased, and it would be a significant loss to the community if GTS were not able to expand to address the need.
Christine Dutton
President, Board of Trustees, Unitarian Church of Harrisburg
Donating your time to Gather the Spirit for Justice (GTS) is an easy onboarding process. Simply show up, and you’ll be greeted with a jovial hello from Ben Perez, GTS’s program director. The genuine gratitude he exudes and the positive energy from your fellow volunteers will keep you coming back!
The thing I love the most about GTS is the camaraderie and fellowship. Everyone is supportive and kind to one another, and no talent goes unrecognized.
Emily Raffensberger
Volunteer, Gather the Spirit for Justice
What our Allison Hill Neighbors Have to Say
Building Community in Allison Hill
Allison Hill Neighbors return to Common Ground Coffee to show us their vital documents.
Funds from Gather The Spirit for Justice make this possible.
