11 13 Ministries assists local agencies in the accurate identification of the small, truly homeless population who live on the streets of our city. Our Blessing Bags target this population. Each Blessing Bag is a drawstring knapsack that contains non-perishable food sufficient for 36-48 hours. Each bag also contains water, juice boxes, toiletries, gloves, knit hats, and socks.

We consider many factors: nutritional value, appropriateness for any children receiving a Blessing Bag, long-term availability, cost, ease of opening, portion size, shelf life, and variety.

Since many of the population may not have access to conveniences like working appliances or a can opener, our Blessing Bags must contain ready-to-eat foods. Our foods also do not require refrigeration and require little to no preparation.

The 11 13 Ministries step-van is equipped with coat racks, counters, and coolers. We routinely patrol the streets of three area communities to hand out Blessing Bags, hot coffee, hot chocolate, coats, hats, scarves, and blankets to the needy and homeless we encounter. In inclement winter weather we engage and provide rooms for the street population as we encounter them.

We have handed out more than 1800 Blessing Bags, over 3000 sets of winter coats/gloves/hats, over $18,000.00 in room assistance and $9400.00 in rent/utility assistance.