May 2024 Newsletter

We continue our commitment to serve those that are unsheltered, underserved, and most needy.

My Thoughts!

I’ve read that Dallas’ unsheltered homeless population has declined by 9.9% annually since 2020, and that the city saw a decline of 14% in 2023. I wish this was true, but I don’t see it. Their numbers are largely taken from the annual homeless census every January. We asked this question to 101 homeless men and women this past Sunday. Were you counted in the January 2024 homeless census? We received verbal answers from 75 of them. Twenty of them, 26.7%, said they were counted in the January census. Fifty five of them, 73.3% were not counted. The other 26 people either couldn’t remember, didn’t understand the question, or were totally unable to communicate due to drugs, alcohol, or mental illness.

 Why am I bringing this up?? The city of Dallas has dismantled most large encampments under bridges and on vacant lots. Except for downtown near the library, the homeless are less visible and harder to find, but they are still out there. We search out those areas that have less resources and are underserved. Housing continues to be the number one need that can help these folks escape homelessness.  

We continue to be blessed with resources that make a difference in the lives of many needy folks. The donated clothing we receive gets sized, tagged, and placed in storage containers that allow us to efficiently distribute. We continue to refine our outreaches to help fill the needs of as many as we can.

This Past Weekend.

Saturday. A wonderful group of 24 assembled and filled bags.

Sunday. Feels like temperatures were over 100 degrees on this very humid afternoon. Our team of 10 passed out 101 bags, 31 ladies’ backpacks, 3 sleeping bags, 4 blankets, 18 cans insect repellent, and 6 bags for dogs.    

Cold Water. In addition to our regular bag contents, the 101 bags all had 6 bottles of water, two of which were frozen. They were much appreciated!          

Our clothiers assisted many folks passing out 44 pairs of shorts, 12 pairs of capri pants, 43 t-shirts, 78 pairs of underwear, 18 bras, as well as the 132 pairs of socks that were in the bags. It was a great day!   

Please pray for these folks, ages 22-84

Kelvin-46, Jeremiah, Floyd-64, George-46, Tony-58, Sammy-51, Samuel, Robert-59, Michael-56, Terrance-50, Tim-60, Dedra-69, Clay-55, Larry-75, Crystal-45, Michael-42, Timothy-58, Jerry-58, George-42, Andrea, Benniesaa, Laila-45, Samuel-43, Natalie-42, Ramona-60, Cedric-40, Buddah (Ray)-41, Alicia-27, Thomas-61, John-70, Shane-67, Joe-46 Health, Tasha-52 Diabetes, Jennifer-47 for  a home, Kelvin-46 Health, Jeremiah-46 To help kids, Jerry-55 for a home, Tito-49 for success, Al-62 sister with cancer, Natalie-42, Cedric, Michael-42 general, Adam-30 for a job, Trey-22 for home and kids (Ah’blessy, Kimble, Amillion, Amyzii), Carl-65 for a home, Christopher-34 for a home, Stephanie-54 for healing, Rocky-57, just prayer, Alvin-35 general, James-53, Sherry-58 healing, Wyneas-84 living in car & prayer for a home, Ramona-53 house mother sister health, Calvin-56 health, Carmen-53 staying w friend, Henry-45 health housing, Alfred-59 work, Rodney-49 God’s presence in life, John-70, Tiffany-37 it’s hot, Jamie-39 kids mom, Carmella-62 prayers,Glenda-53 relationships & get off street, Vashdashdei-39 spousal relationship, Mirror-68 home hip surgery, Kendrick-51his mind, Florella-55 for apt, Carlos-56 housing, Johnny-65 & wife Rosie-63 thankful, Yanna-35 family, Adrick-39 job car housing, Kenneth-63 place to live, Terry-54 better life, Vanita-57, keeps getting kicked out, Darryel-52 family, Terry-50 general, Lisa-57 keep off drugs, Denise-62 get off streets, Dalton-59 resources, Wilson-67 get off streets, Munroe-51 wheelchair bound, Michelle-37 stability, Alvin-62 place to stay, Gary blessings heal mother in law, Eva-49 health, Angela-59 daughter, Jamie-37 focus get out of this situation, Eddie-27 peace.

May Volunteers

Saturday 25th. Assembling and filling bags: Debbie Brooks, Bob, Bonnie, & David Cawthon, Mary Cortez, Anita Davis, Kal Davidson, Deb Faulkner, Modesty Gomez, Gina Gregor, Bobby & Gerald Hill, Kathryn Knowles, Roy McAlester, Don McBurnett, Rennie McClelland, Diane Richards, Jesse Robinson, Cristen Rocha, Gayle Staggs, Tom Thi, John & Ann Wentz, and Margaret Witherspoon,

Sunday 26th. Outreach team: Debbie & Jerry Brooks, Bob Cawthon, Ed Darrell, Gina Gregor, Kathryn Knowles, Don McBurnett, Rennie McClelland, Cristen Rocha, and Gayle Staggs,

Several ways to help.

We are always in need of clean men’s and ladies’ shirts, tops, pants, sweaters, coats, socks, bras, caps, and new underwear.  We especially need men’s pants, jeans, and shorts in sizes 30-38. Shoes & boots suitable for outdoor wear, blankets, sleeping bags, & tents                                        

Assembling and filling bags.

Sorting clothes. People are responding to our need for clean or new clothing items. Volunteers are much needed to help sort, size, and organize these items.  We meet in our fellowship hall every Monday morning from 9:30 to 10:30, and always appreciate help.                                                                             

Financial contributions.  Your continued financial contributions will allow us to continue this ministry and share God’s love with others.

Bob’s Bags is a self supporting ministry of First Christian Church of Duncanville Texas

203 S. Main St. Duncanville, Texas 75116

bobsbags.org fccduncanville.org

                                                                                                                                       Bob Cawthon                                                                                             bob.cawthon@gmail.com  214-213-9320