GREENVILLE, S.C. — More than 100 members of St. Anthony of Padua Church here participated in the recent citywide Walk for the Homeless. The church fared well for its first walk, garnering four awards.
The church received second-place honors for both individual contribution and group contribution, along with group spirit and individual spirit awards.
St. Anthony’s ministry to the homeless isn’t limited to raising money in a walk-a-thon. It serves the homeless more than 60 grocery bags of food per day, in addition to paying bills, offering eviction relief, providing counseling and other assistance.
More than 30 people participate in this ministry, according to Patrick Tuttle, OFM, pastor. Since the ministry began in 2004, violence, vandalism and harassment in the area have all been reduced, he said.
“In fact, the poor clean, rake, do windows, staff the door and assist us with
critical information on how to better help their peers,” said Patrick.