**SIDEWALK SALE**
Saturday July 15 - 8AM-12PM
We have clothes for you.
The Clothesline Ministry fills up 6 classrooms on the 2nd story of the Mission House at St. John's. Led by the Rev. Deacon Terry Goff, the shop is open for guests on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each Month from 10AM to 2PM.
Upcoming Clotheline Dates:
- July 15th, 2023: SIDEWALK GIVE AWAY (8am to Noon)
- July 18th, 2023: 3rd Tuesday (10am to 2pm)
- August 1st, 2023: 1st Tuesday (10am to 2pm)
- August 15th: 3rd Tuesday (10am to 2pm)
The Rev. Deacon Terry Goff
The Clothesline Ministry was born out of the need to provide suitable clothing for people experiencing homelessness or who are in need. Since 2014, Deacon Terry Goff, has participated in the yearly Project Homeless Connect which provides a number of services in one location for those in need.
In 2015 she challenged the congregation of Trinity Episcopal Church to collect 1000 coats to bring to the 2016 Project Homeless Connect. Through the efforts of Trinity and Episcopal Church of the Redeemer 1200 coats were given out to the guests at PHC.
Each year the number and types of donations increased. Guests “shopped” for warm clothing, new socks, toboggan hats, caps, scarves, blankets, back packs, towels, sheets, shoes and always coats.
This effort was supported by Trinity, Redeemer, local civic organizations, O’Rourke Elementary School held “Socktober” to collect new socks each year, The Builder’s Club of Causey Middle School and the Key Club at Baker also collected new socks. Many hands have sought like new clothing and coats to bring each year to PHC.
"Guests 'shopped' for warm clothing, new socks...and always coats."
"it became apparent that people would come..."
During the pandemic PHC for January 2021 was cancelled. Deacon Terry along with friends of Trinity and Redeemer held a pop-up clothes giveaway in the basement of Trinity Episcopal Church where the clothes were housed. Many people came to that event and it became apparent that people would come if items were offered.
As Deacon Terry was transitioning as Deacon from Trinity to Redeemer, she along with her Bishop, Russell Kendrick asked the people of St. John’s if the clothes could be moved to their location at 1707 Government Street and become a place where guests could come all year long to “shop” for clothing and other items. St. John’s said “yes”.
This ministry is supported by the members and friends of Mobile Area Episcopal Churches, St. James in Fairhope, and the Thrift Store at St. Paul's Daphne.
Currently, the Clothesline Ministry occupies the upstairs rooms at St. John’s. The rooms and clothes are sorted for children, women, women dressy, men’s pants, men’s shirts, a shoe room/socks/blankets room.
There are clothes which can be used for interviews, daily wear and school uniforms for children. New socks and underwear are also available for all ages.
The Clothesline Ministry is open the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 10 am to 2 pm. Guests have also been welcomed by the staff of St. John’s after Sunday services or when someone shows up in need.
The Gov't/Breamwood Mobile bus stop is directly in front of the church which has made it easier for our guests from West Mobile to travel to the Ministry.