Imagine living with no stable residence or ability to provide for
the littlest needs. People in those situations often face cringes, disregard or
referral to bureaucracies when they ask others for money or assistance. The
world prejudges poverty as if it is a just judgment or a personal failure — which
is why Catholic volunteers at the newly opened Mother of Light Center in
Alexandria choose to offer unconditional support and help to people in hardship
or distress.
“We will work with anybody. We will do anything,” said volunteer
and treasurer Elizabeth Currier. “We will not refer Christ out.”
The center, founded by a group of lay Catholics led by Matilda
Alvarado, officially opened Feb 2. at 421 Clifford Ave. in Alexandria. Father
Robert C. Cilinski, pastor of Church of the Nativity in Burke and Episcopal
Vicar For Charitable Works, represented Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. He formally
blessed and opened the center with a prayer service attended by Alexandria Mayor
Justin Wilson, members of the City Council, the police department, clergy and
supporters from across the diocese.
Mayor Wilson told volunteers that they are in “exactly the right
place” and that members of local government are “excited” about their mission.
Alvarado, a native of Honduras and a Falls Church resident for
more than 30 years, felt inspired to start the center following the example of
Irish philanthropist Frank Duff, who built hostels for the poor in Dublin,
Ireland. It is an independent lay initiative not anchored to the diocese or a
particular parish, which organizers say makes them “extremely flexible.”
Help given by volunteers, who call themselves “Light Bearers,”
has included financial assistance, clothing, restaurant gift cards,
toothbrushes, socks, job placement and volunteer medical assistance to people
in need. Volunteers plan to improve society through concrete community charity.
“We’ll do whatever we can to get people on their feet. No problem
is too big or too small,” said Currier. “We don’t lose the person ever. We
don’t just pass them on to someone else.”
Volunteers at the Mother of Light Center believe real social
change happens in human hearts, and that small charitable actions can improve
lives everywhere.
“If lay people gave even two hours a week to do some kind of
apostolic work for others, it could transform the world,” said Deacon Gerard-Marie
Anthony, one of the center’s board members, describing the group’s philosophy.
A wide variety of people in society lack support and resources.
Transient students house-hop because they can’t earn enough money to afford a
residence. Other people have fallen into debt. Others cannot earn a stable
living wage and lack food and a place to stay. Some fall into crime to survive.
The center is non-discriminatory when it comes to those in need.
“It’s not necessarily what you would think of when you hear the
word ‘homeless,’” said Deacon Anthony, describing the diverse circumstances of
the needy of Northern Virginia. “The situation has changed so much.”
Volunteers at the center have partnered with Alexandria city
police officers to distribute toiletries and clothing to those living on the
street. Alexandria Police Officer E. Elam said people exposed to the elements
on the street frequently develop health problems, and he believes that donated
blankets from the center have saved lives this winter.
“Giving them (the homeless) something warm to lay on and lay
under helps eliminate even a fraction of arthritis, frostbite and other health
issues,” said Elam.
Volunteers brought about one unlikely transformation for an
elderly man who asked for help using his television. Upon visiting him,
volunteers noticed the man was suffering from poverty, illness and isolation.
They freely improved his living conditions at their own expense.
The man, a veteran, initially was opposed to prayer. However, he
quickly formed a bond with volunteers, recovered his health, and re-established
contact with his estranged daughters. Witnessing the volunteers’ living faith
also changed his attitude toward religion — he now welcomes prayer in his life,
according to Currier.
“A lot of people think they are not loved by the church because
they are homeless or don’t have money, or because of their life situations,”
said Deacon Anthony. “People are not just their faults and failings. They are
not just their financial situation.”
Center volunteers also have offered their aid to poor families,
such as by distributing blankets, toys and stuffed animals to children in
shelters. One volunteer gave stuffed animals to residents at a senior center,
which brought much joy. The center also seeks to aid workers and is collaborating
with the Day Labor Center in Arlington to assist in resume writing and job
placement.
“It’s really Christ’s face unveiled. It’s a beautiful call to
look at everyone in need as worthy people, God’s creations, and truly our
neighbors,” said Currier.
The center welcomes material or financial aid from churches and
organizations in Northern Virginia. Volunteers also welcome tips from local
pastors about potential people in the community in need of help. The center
hopes to collaborate with Fairfax County police for expanded homeless outreach.
Spring will bring new challenges, including a demand for bottled
water, fast food gift cards, and volunteers willing to help organize goods in
the center and pass out materials to the needy. The center offers training for
volunteers on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Monetary
donations will ensure that the organization is able to keep running.
Fletcher can be reached at [email protected]
or @zbfltecherACH.
