Arrival
Clifton Sanctuary Ministry has become that great rest stop that offers all those amenities along the tough and windy road of homelessness.
Leaving a treatment program on that sunny April day was the first time getting reconnected to the outside that included 11 days in detox and 28 days in an alcohol rehabilitation center.
My ego was bruised and deflated but the sun sure felt good on my face.
Uncertainty and fear for my sobriety that I didn’t care about for over 19 years was now at the top of my concerns, let alone where the Veteran Homeless programs would provide for me to stay.
Under a bridge or some of these come and go shelters in Atlanta was not an option if I wanted to turn my life and will over to God.
But my case worker got a call from Mrs. Gales saying that a bed was available for me which because God’s plan always seem way better than my best plan, it just so happen to be the day I was released from the treatment center.
God also sent me to Clifton Sanctuary that has spiritual programs, AA meetings, rules, structure, privacy, in a great neighborhood and great food.
Oh, did I mention great food.
The list could go on and on, but for this to be the first ever time of being homeless or checking in a shelter, Clifton Sanctuary completely busted my fear and perception of shelters and being homeless.
Being a real estate investor and home owner of many properties in the past, all of them lacked the feeling of caring, encouraging, and the presence of God.
Clifton Sanctuary would get five stars if there was a rating system for homeless shelters and in my opinion, there should be.
That’s just based on their ability to consistently provide a program that, cleans up, builds up, and lifts up the many misdirected men in the Atlanta area.
Stay tuned as we press on in this journey……
Author: Homeless but Not Hopeless.
Have you always wanted to be an elf?
Each year, Santa stops by with a Christmas bag filled with goodies for each Clifton guest and you can help him fill up the bag. Word from the North Pole says the following items need to be in Santa’s sleigh in time for his arrival on Christmas Eve.
- Underwear (briefs or boxers) – sizes Medium to 3XL
- T-shirts – sizes Medium to 3XL
- Thermal underwear tops & bottoms – sizes Medium to 3XL
- Black dress socks
- Dress slacks
- Belts – all sizes
- Button-down long-sleeve dress shirts
- Sweaters – pullovers, cardigans, vests
- Winter gloves, scarves and hats
- Bars of soap & travel box soap dishes
- Toothbrushes & toothpaste
- Razors
- Lotion & Lip Balm
- Deodorant
- Odor Eaters for shoes
- Shoe Polish
- Wallets
- MARTA Breeze card holders
- Umbrellas
If you prefer, you can make a financial contribution and Santa will do your shopping for you!!!
Please deliver gift bag donations by December 20th to
Clifton Sanctuary Ministries
369 Connecticut Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307
Please contact Alice at 404-373-3253, ext. 1, for more information
Dare to Care
Posted by mikeT in Uncategorized on November 30th, 2011
During the month of December the Peachtree Center community is sponsoring “Dare to Care” a charity drive for living needs. They will be accepting donations of new or gently worn shoes, clothing, blanket, sleeping bags, gloves and personal needs such as shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste. A collection bin will be located next to the Information Booth in the Food Court.
The items collected will go to support the work of Clifton Sanctuary Ministries, Safe House Outreach Program and Retreat on the Street; three Atlanta based ministries that work with the people who are homeless.
On each Thursday in December (the 1st,8th, 15th & 22nd) these organizations will have representatives at information tables in the Food Court from 7:30 AM until 2:30 PM. If you are in the area be sure to stop by and learn more about each ministry. Also on the 22nd the Clifton Singers will make a special appearance at about 11:45 to Carol with all the mall goers. So be sure to drop by for some lively Christmas music.
We would like to the thank Parkway Realty Services, the management company for Peachtree Center for sponsoring and promoting “Dare to Care”. Dare to Care Atlanta
Chritmas at Clifton
Posted by mikeT in Clifton Sanctuary Ministries, Events on November 17th, 2011
The Christmas season begins early at Clifton. From mid November through New Year’s day we and a our guests are blessed by the many churches and individuals who support our ministry. From special meals to gifts for our guests our volunteers and supporters go the extra mile to make the Christmas season special for the men who call Clifton home. But the best of our traditions are those when the men of Clifton take time to give back to the community that makes Clifton possible.
Everyone is invited to join with the men of Clifton for thre special nights of Caroling on Wednesday, December 14th through Friday the 16th. We will meet at 7:30 each evening. Hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies and other refreshments will be served afterwards. No experience or talent is necessary; all are welcome. On Sunday, December 18th our guests will present their Annual Christmas Program at 3:00 PM. This is a very special look at the meaning of Christmas through the eyes of our guests. After the program everyone is invited to join with our guests for dinner.
Christmas Caroling
Wednesday, December 14th thru Friday, December16th
starting at 7:30pm
Annual Christmas Program
Sunday, December 18th at 3:00pm.
Annual Dinner & Graduation!
Posted by mikeT in Clifton Sanctuary Ministries, Events on August 18th, 2011
Our Annual Dinner & Graduation Celebration is a little more than a month away. This year we will gather on Sunday the 25th of September at North Avenue Presbyterian Church. The festivities will begin at 6PM but plan to arrive early to spend time with our supporters, fellow volunteers, our current guests and of course the graduates. See the Annual Dinner page for more information and to reserve your table at the dinner.
Guests at the 2010 Annual Dinner