This is a joyous time of the year. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and preparing to renew our spirit and hope for the New Year.

Unfortunately, not everyone is anticipating the arrival of 2015. For the nation’s homeless, January simply means it’s time to go deep into survival mode until the arrival of warmer temperatures and budding flowers.

Make no mistake, the homeless are very thankful for the special holiday meals and donated gifts they receive this time of the year. However, as the New Year arrives, they must face the prospect of another year of despair.

That’s why charitable organizations like the one I lead — Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) — depend so much upon the generous, year-end donations from our supporters, which enable us to offer our life-changing programs and services into the New Year without interruption.

The men, women and children in DRMM’s emergency shelters, treatment centers, transitional and permanent housing, and career training programs are in need of love, mercy, and hope. Our mission is to help the homeless find the strength and learn the skills to turnaround their lives and never end up on the streets again.

Every man, woman and child on this Earth is deserving of God’s grace, not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.

Make this a joyous time for the homeless. Let’s give them the opportunity for a new start in the New Year.

We are entering the Easter season, and springtime is also upon us. It’s a season of new beginnings. And, it’s a season of restoration. It’s your season.

Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of people across this country aren’t feeling the hope that the season brings. They are dealing with constant hunger, a lingering hurt and complete hopelessness, despite this wonderful period of renewal.

Here at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), we are showing these lost and broken souls that it is their season, too. Although they may not believe things will ever get better in their lives, we are here to help them get a brand new start.

DRMM introduces our clients to the hope that lives in Christ and directs their feet along the path to redemption. We let them know that Christ is alive and more powerful than any thing or any situation they are facing. Everything can be overcome when you conquer your fears.

We also know that every new beginning starts with an act of kindness by a caring person. Our friends, donors and supporters are those caring souls — helping us rebuild the community with their generous gifts.

You, too, can bring hope to the hopeless this spring season. Help feed the hungry. Provide a donation or volunteer your time to help those who are struggling to find the good in life.

Share the hope and love that lead to new beginnings. There is no greater gift.
Blessings to all during this joyous season of rebirth.