Several local nonprofits come together for homelessness outreach

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Some nonprofits made it their mission to make a difference Saturday afternoon at an outreach event for those experiencing homelessness that took an army.

Travis Shain, president of the Community Jam Force Foundation , says it started with a vision.

“They’re out there struggling; they’re out there hurtin’, so we just want to be able to come to them and give them a hot meal, some showers, and clean up,” said Shain. “Maybe we could be the voice for them.”

A vision that wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers.

“That’s what you got a bunch here. People who have been homeless. I’ve been homeless. We’re not scared to go back into that fire; it’s what you gotta do, is put a handout,” said Nick Starbird, a volunteer at The Phoenix .

Volunteers who have been in their shoes.

“I’m 13 years clean and sober, you know, and I was on the streets of Wichita in 1984. I know what the homeless life is like,” said Linda Orban, founder of Search & Rescue Outreach Ministries.

They all felt led to lend a helping hand through their faith, and they hope others support their mission.

“We can’t do this without each other, right? So, the community needs to understand that we have to come together, right? In order to help this [homelessness] situation out,” said Shain.

Organizers encourage people to donate their time or, if they can’t, donate items. If you want to help, you can message the Community Jam Force Foundation’s Facebook page.

Shain tells KSN there will be another outreach event on Thanksgiving Day.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.