November 2025 - Volume 37, Number 10 | Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only. (James 1.22)
"I Wouldn't Be in My Apartment or Have
My Job Now Without Wayside and God."
George shares his recovery story with Nina during an Inside Wayside interview.
George needed help. He moved to Louisville from Illinois last November, hoping for a fresh start. But when he arrived, the person he planned to stay with had moved away without telling him. "I got on Google and searched for homeless shelters in Louisville, Kentucky," George remembers. "Wayside Christian Mission was the very first one on the list. It said Christian, so I knew that's where I was going."
George is a Navy veteran who once served as military police. After leaving the military, he struggled with drugs and made some bad choices. But he got clean nine years ago and wanted to build a better life. At Wayside's Veteran’s program, things moved quickly. Within just 30 days, George got a full-time job in security—the kind of work he loves because it lets him protect people.
"I've been clean from drugs for nine years now," George says. "Wayside really helped me stay clean because it's easy to fall back into bad habits."
George says his faith in God helped him through the tough times. "God will always guide you no matter what," he explains. "Just look to the skies, pray, and talk to Him. He will show you." "I wouldn't be in my apartment or have my job or have the life that I have now without Wayside and God," George reflects. He is planning to apply to become a Louisville police officer.
His advice to others who are struggling? "Don't give up.
Keep pushing, keep going. Find the light."
DIRECTOR'S CORNER:
Christmas With many other local charities already full, our phones are ringing off the hook.
The need has never been greater. Struggling families are desperately seeking help to put presents under the tree and smiles on their children's faces. Many may not succeed.
Every donation—no matter the size—brings hope to a family facing an impossible choice between basic needs and Christmas joy.
Help us bring Christmas to as many
children & families as possible.
Donate today. Call/text 502-600-8113.
Or, click here to safely donate online.
You can help us ensure many more kids get to experience a Merry Christmas!
MORE WAYS YOU CAN HELP OVER THE HOLIDAYS:
Family Sponsors - Choose a family based on your capacity.
Call 502-345-0081 for family details, children's ages, and interests.
Shop, wrap gifts with care, and drop off by Dec. 22 for our Christmas Eve party.
THANKSGIVING NEEDS:
Servers and special project volunteers (stamping mailers, decorating for Christmas setup).
CHRISTMAS NEEDS:
1. Shelter Men's Christmas Party Sponsor - Churches or groups needed to create gift bags, bake cookies, provide Santa, and host the party. Caroling welcomed!
2. Free Christmas Store Volunteers - Help guide mothers through our store. Call Carol at 502-419-2486 to sign up.
Call/text today: 502-345-0081, or CLICK HERE to signup online.
From the Streets to the Kitchen:
Ember's Story of Survival and Faith
Ember found safety and restored her faith at Wayside.
Ember never thought she'd need a homeless shelter. She had a home, a family, and lived in a nice neighborhood. But after becoming a victim of violent crime, everything changed. She had nowhere safe to go.
"We were working and homeless at the same time," Ember remembers. She and her partner had jobs but no place to sleep. They would take turns staying awake to watch over each other. After walking around for hours with nowhere to go, they finally found Wayside Christian Mission
​At first, Ember was nervous. But Wayside provided exactly what she needed: three hot meals daily, mental health support, and "just a place to sit and think for a moment.” Unlike most shelters, Wayside lets couples stay together. "Some people would rather be on the street than lose the
person that helps them feel strong," Ember explains.
Through all her struggles, faith kept her going. "I really, really found
that God was there for me," she shares. "When I really needed it,
He showed up and I was overwhelmed and I feel so lucky."
Now Ember works in Wayside's kitchen and is finding permanent housing. She tells people on the streets about Wayside. "Sometimes we're having a bad time and just need a little bit of that feeling like someone cares about us."
Join Our Turkey Drive!
To ensure we have enough turkeys this year, Wayside is once again asking for the public’s help ahead of Thanksgiving. Turkey donations and other items can be dropped off from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Shelter (432 East Jefferson Street) or Hotel Louisville (120 West Broadway).
Dr. Thornhill & U of L nursing students prepare and served lunch at the Shelter.
Highland Latin Academy brought a group to help at the Thrift Store!
Dare to Care folks came to the Shelter to interview our clients.
Families can now sign up for 2025 Christmas Store
Miracle on Broadway is a free Christmas store for the homeless and needy at Hotel Louisville. The store provides toys, personal items and food for over 5,000 people each year. If you'd like to get help, please visit our webpage and we'll do our best to help!
APPLICATIONS ONLY ACCEPTED NOV. 1 - 30.
Shelter clients enjoyed an
Anti-Bullying Bingo evening.
Fleur's Dream Homeless Outreach returned bringing goodies for clients.
We even had childcare during
Fleur’s Dream. Thanks, Jeremiah!
DONATE YOUR CAR OR TRUCK TO THE MISSION & EVERYONE WINS!
You’ll get a year-end tax deduction while you support Louisville‘s homeless. Wayside accepts most vehicles, even if they’re not running. We also offer convenient pickup. Call or text: 502-836-7661
