Camping for Hope supplies the homeless community for winter

In the spirit of giving, Gulf Coast Community Ministries and other groups are doing what they can to support unsheltered coastal residents for the coming winter.

Camping for Hope has come around once again, and the name is appropriate. Ministries are handing out tents, clothes and other supplies to people experiencing homelessness on the Coast.

Around 200 people came out to the lot near Shaggy’s’ restaurant in Gulfport and accepted the grace that Gulf Coast Community Ministries has given freely. Executive Director Mike Wilson hoped to reflect the grace that he’s been given. “This is a big part of my faith. Christ loves me and has forgiven me and has redeemed me unconditionally. And just as an expression of my love for Christ, we try to come out here and do the same thing for these people that are here and just love them unconditionally as Christ loves us.”

John Trudeau, a guitar player from Michigan, told News 25 he’s never seen anything quite like it. “They pulled together and really did a marvelous job, you know, treated us like top shelf.”

Young volunteers recognized their good fortune and came out to pay it forward. “I think serving is important in the community, and it’s like, very rewarding to help those in our community in need. It makes you feel accomplished, I think, to be able to help them and provide for them.”

Lunch plates were served, courtesy of Marcio Borguezan, a world champion in barbecue cuisine. He won the Memphis in May competition in 2019, considered the Super Bowl of barbecue contests. All of this combined gave the unhoused individuals hope and a feeling of normalcy. “Our homeless clientele that we serve are just thrilled beyond measure to be receiving the things that they’re receiving.”

“It means a lot. There’s a lot of big hearts on the Gulf Coast, you know?”

Gulf Coast Community Ministries will help anyone experiencing homelessness to find resources that will get them shelter and necessities.