BARSTOW, CA -- On Saturday, January 31, the second annual "Caring and Sharing" Homeless Care Faire was held at Barstow Community College with about 300 attendants with the help of various Christian ministries and local community service organizations to provide the needs of the homeless population.
Numerous organizations worked together for more than six months to plan this event. Christian ministries that participated in this event include, Desert Manna Ministries, Desert Sanctuary, Calvary Chapel, and Loving The Lamb Ministries.
The event was coordinated by Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County and High Desert Community Coalitions providing more than temporary relief for the homeless. The fair provided the homeless and needy with everything from haircuts to flu shots.
Cynthia Barker, director of the Oasis Counseling Center's Bonding Center, said, "It's a great resource to find out what is available for them in terms of housing and jobs.”
Michelle Brendt, the interim director of the Desert Manna Ministries, said about 5 to 10 people got permanent jobs as a result of last year’s fair. She said the main attractions of the event were the haircuts, flu shots, eyeglass exams, and dental check-ups.
James Rimberry expressed his joy as he received a pair of glasses at the fair. "I've needed glasses for about six months, and now I can see a lot better," Rimberry said Saturday as he left the second annual "Caring and Sharing" Homeless Care Faire.
