Local Concert to Benefit San Diego Homeless Mission

March 24, 2011 - PRLog -- SAN DIEGO, California, March 24, 2011 – God’s Extended Hand (GEH), a soup kitchen ministry of churches providing free food, shelter and other services for the homeless population of downtown San Diego, today announced a benefit concert to be held March 26 in conjunction with Steven Ybarra and Grace Point Church of Carmel Valley.  All proceeds from the event will be used to support the shelter.

Steven Ybarra, recipient of the 2009 San Diego “Best Acoustic” Music Award and Rachel McHenry, Director of Grace Point Church preschool, organized the fundraiser to help bring further awareness and financial support to the mission.  Additional artists scheduled to perform include Electric Halo Band and Joey Casora and his band.

“Like so many local businesses and families, the downturn in the economy and the increase of those needing help really strained our financial resources,” says Pastor Curtis Bernstein, President of God’s Extended Hand.  “Although we’ve been blessed with food donations and numerous volunteers, recently our ability to pay our mortgage, utility bills and operating expenses has been extremely difficult.”

Located in downtown San Diego, GEH was established in 1924 and serves over 84,000 meals annually.  Composed entirely of unpaid staff and volunteers, the mission has chosen to rely solely on donations and charitable gifts to operate.

Free Services Provided by God’s Extended Hand


-- Food and Clothing


-- Intercessory Prayer


-- Semimonthly Medical Clinic (provided by Family Health Centers of San Diego)


-- Mental Health/Addiction Consulting (provided by Family Health Centers of San Diego)


-- Legal Aid (provided by Jorgensen Law)


-- Haircuts (provided by various churches and individuals)


-- Emergency Winter Overnight Sheltering


"We’re simply thrilled with the generosity of Steven Ybarra and the local musicians," said Bernstein.  "It’s the prayer and outreach of our community working together that has enabled us to serve the homeless for the last 86 years."

With an estimated 5,000 homeless individuals residing in San Diego County, the need for support services is projected to increase in 2011.

The fundraiser will be held Saturday, March 26 from 6:00- 9:00 p.m. at 13340 Hayford Way, San Diego, Calif.  Individual tickets are priced at $10 and may be purchased online at www.stevenybarra.com or at Grace Point Church, the day of the show.

To learn more about God’s Extended Hand, or to find additional ways to support the organization, visit www.godsextendedhand.com.  For information regarding Steven Ybarra, see www.stevenybarra.com.  To find out more regarding Grace Point Church, go to www.gracepointsd.com.

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God's Extended Hand is a place of evangelical ministry aimed at showing the homeless population of San Diego the love of God. Founded in 1924, the non-profit (501-c3) organization offers food, shelter and services to individuals and families in need.