As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. The passage from the Book of Matthew 4:18, “Come, follow Me, Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of :men” two two men whowould become among his disciples and they did. Such is the mission of Halifax Urban Ministries.
There are an estimated 20,000 families in need throughout Volusia and Flagler counties.The services offered by HUM include temporary housing, food, counseling /support programs and emergency assistance. HUM has been serving our community for over 30 years.The area serviced by HUM is from Ormond Beach to Oakhill.Financial contributions and donations of food and clothing come from individuals, faith groups, corporations and grants.
The annual budget for 2011 is $1.2M.We have 400 active volunteers that assist in the daily operation of HUM.Direct Services Offered by HUM & STAR Assist in obtaining documents (Birth certificates / Social Security cards / Identification cards / Notarizing) Additional services offered to assist in securing employment. (Internet access/Telephone / Bus passes / Haircuts / Showers / Laundry / Bicycles) Medical and prescription assistance. Financial Assistance: (Rent / Utilities /Prescriptions) $70,000 in 2010.Cold Weather Shelter. (Host sites are area faith groups and the STAR Center.)
There are five Southeast Volusia locations for food and services in HUM's mission of homeless prevention and assistance, from New Smyrna Beach to Oak Hill:
• Reanna Ministries, 388 US1, Oak Hill, 9 am.m to noon, Tuesday;
• F.R.O.G. Ministries, 415 Ridgewood Ave., Edgewater, 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday;
• Allen Chapel AME,-344 Sheldon St., New Smyrna Beach, 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday;
• Pleasant Grove MB, 214 N. Myrtle Ave., New Smyrna Beach, 1 to 4 p.m Wednesday;
• First Baptist Church, 200 Faulkner St., New Smyrna Veach, 9 a.m. to noon Thursday.