February 2026 - Volume 38, Number 2 | Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only. (James 1.22)

COLDEST MONTHS, WARMEST HEARTS:
THE GOOD SAMARITAN PATROL HITS THE STREETS.

The Patrol made this woman’s morning with warm earmuffs.

This man received hot coffee and a bag of usable goodies.

When turns deadly in Louisville, Wayside’ winters Good Samaritan Patrol team members spring into action. They load up their red SUV with blankets, hand warmers, coffee, sandwiches, hats, gloves, and sleeping bags. Then they drive through the coldest corners of the city, searching for people who need help.

The patrol often finds people sleeping under overpasses or huddled on street corners.

First, they invite everyone to come inside Wayside's warm shelter. Many accept. For those who refuse, the team offers whatever they'll take—hot coffee, warm blankets, or just a caring word.

Why does Wayside do this? Because Jesus taught us to love our neighbors and care for "the least of these." The Good Samaritan Patrol lives out this Christian calling every single day.

During White Flag conditions, when exposure can kill in just 10-15 minutes, the patrol answers one simple call: make sure no one freezes. Because everyone deserves to know somebody cares.

You can help save lives this winter. Your donation provides the blankets, food, and shelter that keep our neighbors safe during dangerous cold.

Be a Good Samaritan:

Donate toward WAYSIDE’S Patrol. Text/Call 664-7112
or CLICK HERE

DIRECTOR’S CORNER:
MLK Day Was a Celebration!

Clients held a candlelight walk honoring Dr. King's memory.

Nina shared Wayside’s history as the first integrated mission south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Clients read select quotes giving voice to Dr. King's powerful words.

Wayside honored Dr. King with an engaging night of remembrance.

We held a candlelight vigil outside the hotel.
Nina Moseley shared our history as the first integrated mission south of the Mason-Dixon Line—a legacy alive today.
Recovery clients brought Dr. King's words to life.
Former client, Duane Nathaniel, shared a stirring "I Have a Dream" rendition.
Rev. Dr. Perzavia Praylow led us in a participatory meditation.
And, the Down by the Wayside choir lifted every heart with several songs.

Dr. King dreamed of peace and equality. At Wayside, we honor that dream in action—every day, in every life we serve.

Former client, Duane Nathaniel, once again delivered his amazing rendition of “I Have a Dream.”

Rev. Dr. Perzavia Praylow shared an inspirational meditation that got willing participation from the crowd.

The evening ended with several powerful, heartfelt songs by the

Down By The Wayside choir.

"God Never Left Me." A Mother's Journey from Loss to Recovery.

Nina Moseley spoke with Dee

for an Inside Wayside episode.

Dee had it all—a great marriage of 26 years, three kids, a successful hair styling career spanning 40 years, and a beautiful home.

Then tragedy struck.

When her husband became ill in 2014 and died in 2017, Dee's world collapsed. She faced a $250,000 hospital bill and $70,000 in IRS debt. Her transmission broke. Her air conditioning failed. One disaster followed another.

"I didn't want to feel the pain anymore," Dee recalls. She started drinking daily, sitting alone in her dark living room. "I lost myself," she says. Her daughter told her, "I lost my dad, and now I've lost my mom."

Dee told her inspiring story of tragedy and recovery.

Dee tried treatment at several hospitals before a worker at Norton's handed her a phone number for Wayside Christian Mission. She had no idea where she was calling, but that call changed everything.

During her nine months in Wayside's recovery program, Dee learned that alcohol was a disease. Staff members never gave up on her, even when she wanted to quit. "They never gave up on me,” Dee remembers. “There were moments I wanted to quit, but I was like, where would I go? I've got to finish."

Today, Dee arranges donated flowers at Wayside’s Hotel Louisville and lives in a

supportive housing unit there. She babysits her grandchildren regularly and has

rebuilt her relationship with her kids. Most importantly, she's restored her faith.

"I felt like God turned his back on me," Dee admits. "But now I see he was

working all along. If you don't have God in your life, things don't go well.

He's got to be the center."

Dee's message to others struggling: "Don't give up. Take one day at a time."

As the temperatures drop,
your donations can save lives.

Donate and Shop at our huge Bargain Center!

This winter, you have the power to make a real difference. Wayside needs your donations to provide life-saving warmth for our homeless neighbors during these dangerous cold snaps.

Every donation matters—your clothing literally wraps someone in warmth, while your furniture helps furnish their new apartment.

Ready to help? It's incredibly easy!

Call Holley at (502) 600-8113 to schedule a pickup
Or drop off at our Bargain Center (9125 Galene Drive), at Hotel Louisville (120 W. Broadway), or at the Shelter (432 E. Jefferson Street).

Wait, it gets better! Drop off your donations at our Bargain Center, then come inside. You’ll discover 33,000 square-feet of incredible deals on quality furniture, appliances, and clothing! Whatever deals you find also fund our Good Samaritan Patrol, Operation White Flag, and recovery programs. Change lives today: donate, shop & save!

Love Shows Up:
Volunteer This Valentine's Day

This February, you'll see red hearts everywhere. Store windows. Social media. Boxes of chocolate. But what if love could be more than a card or a gift?

At Wayside, we believe real love shows up. It serves a warm meal. It listens to someone's story. It helps a neighbor get back on their feet.

"Love is a verb," says Tracy, our volunteer coordinator. "It's something you do, not just something you feel."

Last Valentine's Day, one volunteer spent her evening serving dinner in our dining hall. She met a guest who had been homeless for six months.

They talked about his love of cooking and his dream of working in a restaurant again. "I didn't bring him roses," she says. "But I gave him something better—my time and attention. I showed him someone cared."

This Valentine's season, you can share love that truly matters. Wayside needs volunteers to serve meals, sort donations, and help in our programs. No special skills required—just a willing heart, and open ear, and a few hours. Because the best way to say "I love you" to your community is to show up.

Ready to make love an action word? Visit our website or call 502-345-0081 to sign up.