Mercy Works (253) - Homeless Ministry

Ministry to the Most Marginalized Poor and Homeless

Founded in April, 2016, Mercy Works (253) has served over 10,000 meals to the poor and homeless on the streets of the (253) area.

Mercy 253 collaborates ecumenically with NGO’s and GO’s to serve the most marginalized poor and homeless sisters and brothers of our community by meeting them where they are with nutrition, hydration and other necessities such as clothing and hygiene items, projecting care and compassion with each encounter and respecting their profound human dignity as beloved children of God.

Mercy 253 is on the streets of the area rain or shine every week and at special events for the poor and homeless.  On a typical weekday evening we deliver a 2,400 calorie meal with a balance of protein, portable protein sources, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables, drinking water, clothing items, tents and sleeping bags.  Our fourth grade students, while they do not go out on the streets, learn service by preparing sandwiches and written notes for half the meals while the other half are generously donated by Chik-fil-A on South Steele Street in Tacoma.

From one of our guests: “Thank you. When you keep coming out here, you make us feel like someone really cares about us.  It means so much that someone cares.”

We have generous benefactors who contribute money and in-kind items.  The needs of our guests are constantly changing during the month and from season to season.