Roof Above

Holy Comforter is committed to the ministry of addressing homelessness through its support of Roof Above. Roof Above offers services and programs ranging from street outreach to shelter and housing.

Roof Above distributes lunch bags daily to our homeless neighbors throughout the city. Holy Comforter joined in this effort by providing 200 to-go bagged lunches several times a month over this past winter and will resume our efforts in the fall. Volunteers gather to make sandwiches and assemble lunch bags filled with two sandwiches, fruit, water, and a sweet treat, all generously donated by parishioners. The bags are then taken to Roof Above for distribution to the homeless.

Roof Above purchased a hotel on Clanton Rd. that was converted into 88 studio apartments for permanent housing for individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness. Holy Comforter supported this initiative by raising funds to help furnish two units. Our goal was to raise $50,000 and through the generosity of the parish raised over $100,000, effectively providing permanent housing for four individuals. In addition, Holy Comforter purchased floor lamps for each of the apartments, and several members assembled the lamps in the apartments a few days before the new residents moved in. CU The Rise opened to residents in June 2022.

Holy Comforter secured outdated and retired city rental bikes and a group of volunteers retrofitted them for personal use. The bikes were then donated to Roof Above for distribution to our working neighbors who need transportation to and from work.