Thanksgiving Meal Provides More Than Food At CHAM In Downtown San Jose

Nov. 14, 2011 - PRLog -- CHAM Deliverance Ministry has been tirelessly dedicated to the poor people of San Jose, California for quite some time.  Pastor Scott Wagers who heads the organization is often found in the community at the downtown parks among the homeless community speaking with and for them, on their behalf.  

Most recently CHAM Deliverance Ministry put their love into action organizing a fall 2011 Campaign for Homes and Healing. The movement was recently televised by local news outlets that followed Pastor Scott as the community of justice workers walked through abandoned homes in the Downtown San Jose district.

The annual Thanksgiving meal is open to all and free of charge.  There will be live music and encouraging testimonials along with great food. The program is intended to warm hearts, prepare minds, and protect bodies in preparation of the cold winter ahead.   The hot meal and warm blankets offered are an important contribution to the community where thousands sleep on the streets and in parks on a daily basis.

The cost of homelessness is more than just life. According to the 2004 San Francisco Plan to Abolish Chronic Homelessness, it costs over three times as much to have someone live on the street then to provide them with a permanent home with supportive services, including home-based case management and treatment. It may cost taxpayers over $60,000 per year for emergency room services and incarceration for a homeless person while permanent supportive housing for that same year would cost only $16,000.

Last year, 66 people died from homelessness, and so far this year, 44 homeless people have died, according to CHAM Deliverance Ministry's pastor Scott Wagers. "This is one of our most tragic social problems," Wagers said.

The meal and blanket distribution will be held at First AME church 949 E. San Fernando Street (20th and E. San Fernando Street), downtown San Jose, CA at 5:30 pm.  

Learn more about CHAM by visiting http://cham-ministry.org

Contact CHAM by telephone at (408) 295-4463
Visit CHAM for Sunday Service at 3:00PM

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