The problem of homelessness in Akron is a sad reality and one that many other parts of the country also must face. Fortunately, there are groups doing great work for people who are less fortunate.
“My Brother Keeper Ministry” is a ministry in the New Exodus Christian Fellowship Church that is dedicated to serving food to the area’s homeless population. The group serves between 80 and 150 people who are homeless and/or otherwise going hungry each Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m.
The Rev. Gregory E. Partridge Sr. runs the ministry and says the group is there to give people, ”Not a handout, but a hand up.” The group aims to help people get back on their feet and help themselves as well as eventually giving back to the church. The group continues providing its service despite a lack of grants or much of any other type of funding outside of what the congregation can generate. Members also have encountered circumstances that led to multiple location changes over the years.
The service began as a blanket service for the homeless and eventually turned into what it is now. The group has been serving food to people who need it for five years now and still have not missed one Tuesday night to date. They have even stayed the course when they had to work outside in storms, blizzards and any other difficulty imaginable.
The ministry provides a valuable service that not many others would be willing to do.
