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Lifting The Mask of Poverty
(New York) -- You've arrived on the last stop of the New York City's transit system - Coney Island. Called "the play land of the world" by vacationers, it's known for sandy beaches and amusement rides. But look past the clowns' juggling act, the Atlantic's refreshing touch and the buttery smell of fresh popcorn. You will see drugs and crime infesting the area. Newly built homes have tried to beautify the neighborhoods, but the projects continue to be overcrowded and dangerous. In the midst of darkness, OBI helps Coney Island Gospel Association reach out to the locals of Coney Island.
Spanning the face of an entire block, Coney Island Gospel Association (CIGA) has welcomed the community's hungry, abused, homeless, mentally ill, and financially broken into its doors for more than forty years. Since Brother Jack san Filippos' passing, his daughter Connie and son-in-law Rod Hulla have taken over this huge responsibility. With the assistance of several formerly homeless men now living in the church, five volunteer staff, a dozen community volunteers, CIGA's ministry network of 148 organizations and Operation Blessing, more than 46,000 people living in New York City's boroughs receive help each year!
People like Greg. Six months ago Greg's wife Rosemary didn't come home. After putting their four young children to bed on the evening of September 11th, he began the painful process of becoming a single parent. Trying to live off of one income with four children, one of them which was handicapped, was difficult. Greg's mother Lila had faithfully volunteered at CIGA. His temporary need soon was relieved through food assistance.
"Food distribution is the key to reaching people where they hurt," expressed Connie Hulla. "It always soothes the soul and brings a smile - gives a lift to the spirit and the opportunity to witness."
CIGA became an Operation Blessing Hunger Strike Force (HSF) partnering ministry in 1996. By reaching out to the community through food distributions, they have seen a decrease of people stealing in order to eat. The elderly are no longer eating dog food. The holidays are happier. People don't have to choose between buying medicine or food. Many children of addicts now have full stomachs. "The burden of caring for so many people out of our own pockets was lifted," said Connie.
A December 2001 survey by the U.S. Conference of Mayors estimated that 54% of those requesting emergency food assistance were either children or their parents. Connie sees proof of this not only through weekly food distributions, but also the Operation Blessing Kitchen just around the corner. Patrons include those struggling financially, the elderly and immigrants. She shared, "Our goal is to stay afloat and reach as many as we can."
Take the challenge & fight against hunger with Connie and Operation Blessing!
HSF is taking part in the Feinstein Foundation's annual $1 million challenge during March and April 2002. During this time, your generous contribution stretches further in helping to provide life necessities to disaster victims, fill a child's growling stomach, and let many struggling people know someone cares!
Help end America's hunger today...
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