Launch Pad provides a peaceful and safer place to sleep for people between the ages of 18-24 who are sleeping outside or are currently without permanent housing.  Their mission is to create a network of temporary safer sleeping shelters for homeless young adults, which are open and affirming to LGBTQ while working towards a broader comprehensive system of care.

During the cold months, West End UMC will again offer space in the Lower Level to Launch Pad on Sunday evenings beginning in November through March.  There are several ways you can help.  First, you can get trained to staff evening and overnight shifts.  To work a Launch Pad shift, you must attend their Volunteer Training.  Launch Pad needs five volunteers each night, one evening volunteer 8:00—11:15 pm and three volunteers who stay overnight 11 pm—7:30 am.

West End will host a Launch Pad training on September 18 in McWhirter Hall, 1:30-4:30 pm.  For more information, contact Zak Kelley at zkelley4@gmail.com. If you’d like to volunteer but cannot attend the training at West End, you are welcome to attend the training at East End UMC on September 17 from 9-11:30 a.m.

Other volunteer opportunities are to provide dinner or to do the laundry.   If you or your class/small group are interested in helping with food or laundry, contact Lisa Gwock at lgwock@westendumc.org.