Help our neighbors beat the heat

Extreme summer temperatures are tough for everybody, but especially for people experiencing homelessness, and for those who were formerly homeless but are now living in places without adequate air conditioning.

At Micah Ministries, we walk alongside our neighbors experiencing homelessness through every part of their journeys. At our Hospitality Center, we help meet the basic needs of those who are living outside, providing a place for showers, bagged lunches, mail pick-up, and connections to resources. During this time of year, the Hospitality Center can also just be a hub for our neighbors to come inside, grab some bottles of water to stay hydrated, and enjoy the air conditioned space.

When our neighbors move off the streets and into permanent housing, they are often moving into scattered-site apartment units in the community, rented from private landlords. As we know, Fredericksburg is full of historic buildings and the HVAC systems in these converted apartments often leave something (or a lot) to be desired.

With temperatures this summer forecasted to be extreme, we need your help to keep our neighbors safe, hydrated, and cool.

If you can donate financially, we are collecting to fund the purchase of roughly 25 window unit air conditioners. This will meet the needs for our neighbors in housing that don't have adequate air conditioning. If you prefer, we would be happy to accept a donation of a working window unit air conditioner! They can be brought by the Micah Hospitality Center (1013 Princess Anne Street) during our open hours. If you want to help in a smaller way, we are happy to accept a case or two of bottled water at our Hospitality Center. Hydration is so important when temperatures are this high!

As you retreat into your homes this summer to escape the sun and heat, think of those less fortunate. We truly appreciate all the help you can give us as we journey with our neighbors this summer.