"UNDIE SUNDAY" AT CHRIST THE HEALER

The Church of Christ the Healer in North Stamford will hold its fourth “Undie Sunday” on October 27th at 10 a.m., collecting new, unopened underwear for men and women who are homeless. Last year the church collected over 350 pairs of underwear, fairly evenly divided between men’s and women’s. This year, Christ the Healer hopes many in Stamford will join in a push to collect much more, to equip the shelters and their residents for the winter ahead. Drop off - or join us for worship 10-27 and bring it then.

“Undie Sunday” is a playful way to raise awareness of the very serious issue of homelessness in our region. Homelessness is a growing economic and public health crisis. Underwear may seem a frivolous response to a challenge of this magnitude. Yet this effort serves to humanize the statistics and remind us that we are talking about real people, not numbers. Many men and women who are homeless are treated with little dignity, and rarely receive anything new to wear. To provide this most basic need signals value and respect. Always good for a raised eyebrow, followed by a smile, this initiative provides men and women who happen to be homeless with a very personal kind of care and honor.

All are welcome to join the congregation for the underwear-themed worship service that morning, and/or to drop off new, packaged, unopened underwear for adults of either gender at the church on Sunday mornings 9-11:30 or Wednesday evenings, 5-7:30. (20 Brookdale Road at the corner of High Ridge Road, in North Stamford) People who would like to contribute and need goods picked up may call the church office at 203-322-6991, or email office@christthehealerstamford.org.

In Stamford’s congressional district last year, some 2,100 adults and 528 children were homeless. Nationally, there has been a 57% increase in urban and suburban homelessness; 1 in 7 families in the U.S. have lost their home and are sharing with other families. Experts estimate that costs to the public in emergency healthcare, shelter and law enforcement, average $42,000 per year per person who is homeless.
The Church of Christ the Healer has been involved at the men’s Shelter for the Homeless on Pacific Street for many years, and has also worked with the community at the Inspirica-run Women’s Housing at Woodland Place, so this project is a natural fit. The congregation collects baby supplies for homeless mothers at its annual “Baby Shower for Mary” during the Advent season, school supplies for area students in September each year, and conducts a diaper drive for Mother’s Day. 

Christ the Healer is located at 20 Brookdale Road, corner of High Ridge Road, in Stamford, 1.5 miles north of Exit 35 of the Merritt Parkway. For more information, call the church office at 322-6991 or check the website, www.christthehealerstamford.org