2011 is here. We are entering the New Year with a lot of hope. Hope that the economy will continue to improve in 2011. Hope that the homeless, hungry and hurting will follow God’s path to a better future. And hope that more people will reach out and support the efforts of agencies like the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), which provide programs designed to get disadvantaged people off the streets and on their way to purpose-filled lives.

The festive season of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve has ended. During the holidays, more of this country’s homeless population received temporary relief from hunger and loneliness by attending special dinners and parties at local shelters and social service agencies. They shared in the joy of the season by eating hearty meals and opening gifts donated by generous supporters. It is the time of the year when more people think about giving to the less fortunate.

However, helping the homeless should not be limited to the holidays. The homeless and disadvantaged need permanent, safe housing year-round. They need nutritious food on a consistent basis. And they need an opportunity to learn job skills that will lift them out of poverty permanently.

My hope for 2011 is that DRMM and other organizations around the world are able to get more financial support and volunteers so that we can continue to change hundreds of thousands of people’s lives. What is your hope for the New Year?