Logos has adopted CASS (Central Arizona Shelter Services) as "The Logos Starfish Project." This is based on the story of the little boy who was throwing starfish stranded on the beach one-by-one back into the ocean. A man told him that since there were thousands of starfish, he couldn't possibly make a difference. As the boy bent down and picked up another starfish, he threw it in the ocean and said, "It will make a difference to this one." (Google The Starfish Story and you will find different versions of it online.) So even though we can't help everyone, we helped nearly 100 homeless people stay warmer this winter by donating sleeping bags to CASS.

CASS sleeps over 400 men and women nightly in the shelter, and those that they must turn away, sleep in the parking lot next to the facility. The lot is guarded by off-duty policemen for the safety of those sleeping there. CASS is well run, provides job training, showers, clothing and incentives for the homeless becoming self-sufficient. They are doing a very, very good work.

Logos provides a place to donate items for CASS. They are picked up every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Please let us know if you have any suggestions. Volunteers are needed year round (see their website).

The Development Manager at CASS has this suggestion when you see homeless on the street: Keep apples and/or granola bars, and water in your car year-round and give them to the homeless person instead of cash. Giving cash is usally NOT a good idea. What people need most is knowing that there is a place where they can get on-going assistance to get off the streets.

We also suggest the following: keep a sleeping bag or blanket in your car and be prepared if someone needs this help. Also, get a number of brown envelopes and include a list of the address and location of CASS and other shelters, food banks, etc., along with a bus pass, a card with a message of hope, scripture etc., and perhaps a magazine or an inspirational book.

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