August 2026 - Volume 38, Number 7 | Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only. (James 1.22)
FOR THE HOMELESS, SUMMER CAN BE AS DEADLY AS WINTER
Most of us escape a Louisville summer by stepping inside. But for our homeless neighbors, there is no "inside." When temperatures climb past 90 degrees, the streets become dangerous, especially for those already battling heart disease, breathing problems, and other chronic illnesses that extreme heat makes worse.
As one former homeless person noted, "Finding relief from the heat is nearly impossible when you're living on the streets. Whether it's day or night, the humidity is relentless. Even shady spots become unbearably hot. Hydration and rest become luxuries."
That's why Wayside acts fast when the heat rises. During weather emergencies, Operation White Flag goes into effect, and we open extra space so everyone can come inside to rest, cool down, and stay safe.
Many women must fight deadly summer heat on the streets.
The Good Samaritan Patrol brings water and more to those in need.
Meanwhile, our Good Samaritan Patrol hits the streets, urging those without shelter to come in, and leaving bottled water and other essentials with anyone who chooses to stay outside.
Heat can kill... but it doesn’t have to. Your gift provides cold water, cool shelter, good meals, and God's love in action when our neighbors need it most.
Want to help? Make a financial donation, drop off bottled water or hygiene supplies, or volunteer for the Good Samaritan Patrol.
Call 502-345-0081 or DONATE HERE
DIRECTOR’S CORNER: At Wayside, They Didn't Have to Choose
Wayne and Sophia benefit from one of the very few programs in the US that allow couples to recover together.
Before they came to Wayside, Sophia and Wayne had almost nothing left. They were homeless, walking the streets all night when there was nowhere to sleep. Their belongings were stolen. Meals came rarely. Wayne, battling addiction for 15 years, ate discarded pizza from garbage cans. Sophia had been using drugs since she was 15, ... nearly 20 years. Then she went to jail.
That was the turning point. "I prayed about it," Sophia says. "God helped me to want to change."
But there was one thing this couple couldn't face: being separated. Wayside Christian Mission is one of the very few recovery programs in the country that welcomes couples together, and that made all the difference.
"It was extremely important," Sophia says. "If we weren't able to come together, I don't know if we would've made it."
Today, after more than eight months clean and sober, the longest of Wayne's life, everything has changed. They have steady work, three meals a day, real friends, and daily routines built on classes, work therapy, and recovery meetings. Most of all, they have faith. "Without God, you're definitely going to fail," Wayne says. "I pray in the morning and I pray at night. That's what's keeping me clean and sober."
Wayne dreams of starting a trucking business. Sophia plans to go back to school. And both are reaching out to help others still struggling, proof that at Wayside, recovery brings couples, families, and futures back together.
You can help write our next recovery story.
Nina agrees with the necessity of couples recovering together.
Call 502-345-0081 or DONATE HERE
Every Kid Deserves a Peaceful First Day
The first day of school should be exciting: new backpack, sharp pencils, clean clothes, big dreams. But for a homeless child, that day can bring dread instead. No supplies. No new shoes. No good night's sleep the night before.
These kids are just as smart and just as
capable as their classmates. They just need
someone in their corner.
That's what your gift to our Back-To-School Fund does. It fills a backpack, buys the shoes, and tells a child, "You belong here."
And, it also helps provide much-needed food and shelter.
This August, give a kid a first day worth remembering.
Call 502-600-8113 or donate here
Help us ensure all children enjoy a peaceful first day of school.
Wayside Clients Celebrated July 4th
with a Picnic!
Wayside staff and volunteers kept busy grilling out goodies.
Saturday, July 4th turned out to be the perfect day to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
And we held a picnic to get everyone involved! Our grill team cooked up plenty of burgers and hot dogs for our clients. Plus, there were plenty of delicious sides and desserts. Everyone young and old, enjoyed our nation’s birthday.
The kids had a blast on the 4th!
A large MFUGE (Mission FUGE) team sorted donations at our Bargain Center.
Fleur's Dream returned to the Shelter with clothing, shoes, hygiene products and more!
A YouthWorks group helped out with meal prep at the Shelter.
Reidland Church volunteers from Paducah came to help in the kitchen and the thrift store.
Youth With A Mission (YWAM)
from Ohio came to help at our Bargain Center.
New Beginnings Temple brought food, clothing and blessings to Hotel Louisville.
VOLUNTEERS THROW ICE CREAM PARTY FOR OUR KIDS
Wayside’s kids got a very special treat to celebrate summer: AN ICE CREAM PARTY!
Volunteer Lindy and her friends brought ice cream and plenty of fun games to help our kids enjoy their summer in grand style! HUGE THANKS to Lindy and her friends for making this day so very special.
There’s nothing like delicious ice cream for summer fun.
Don't you let that balloon hit the ground!
HUGE THANKS to Lindy and her friends for our Ice Cream fun!
donate your old vehicle to help fund our mission programs!
IMPORTANT NOTE! Your old car, truck, motorcycle, boat or other vehicle can help us feed, clothe, house, and train Louisville's homeless population. Sales of donated vehicles are used to fund our many programs.You may even find that the tax-deduction will be worth more to you than a dealer’s trade-in value.
Call/Text Holley: 502-600-8113
Thanks to Our Supporting Partners
With support from the Veterans Administration,
Wayside provides transitional housing that helps homeless veterans find a
permanent place to call home.
Included in their help, Metro Louisville's biggest gift is its strong support for our low-barrier shelter, a place that welcomes people other shelters have struggled to serve.
