CasaRush is in the process of creating bags for the homeless. Here is an ongoing list of some items we are collecting to add to the bags.
*Toothbrush, toothpaste, body soaps, shampoos, razors, finger nail clippers, tampons/pads, bandaids/small first aid kit, toilet paper, sunblock!, sponges (cleaning supplies and themselves), deodorant, hairbands
*Socks, extra clothing, washcloths, cheap pocket watches (they’ll need the time if looking for a job), ponchos, travel packs of detergent (get some change, do some laundry)
*Granola bars, healthy snacks (let’s think of some things that will give people nutrition), nuts, sunflower seeds, small cans of V8, ramen noodles, juice boxes, rice cakes, peanut butter, water bottles
We also want to include messages, specifically encouragement and information. If we want to help change the situation, it’s important that we offer a strategy for change. This is our chance to help let them know THEY are special and one of God’s children.
It would be great to type up and include: how to apply for food stamps, addresses of local shelters, food pantries, survival guides and tips, job tips and information, do’s / don’ts and ‘things to remember’ etc., where and how to get bus passes (for if you’re homeless), and perhaps a note about how to reuse the items. We could even include a flower or something else that will make them FEEL nice!
Let’s also include personalized messages encouraging them and letting them know that we are here for them, there IS hope, and things CAN change. Include encouraging scripture with explanations and why it applies to them! Even a few pages would be good. Don’t make it overwhelming- have some extra time before dinner? Think about some people that might not eat tonight and write a few notes out. Do you have an old book laying around you enjoyed or that really changed your life? Maybe you could throw it in a bag, encourage some reading, and give them something different to do at night. Get creative! 
Things like COUPONS are great for encouraging them to spend money on food instead of distractions.
If you would like to simply donate and we will put the money towards filling these bags, please click the link to the right and the money will go towards a great cause. If you want to buy any of the items, contact us and we will tell you where to drop off the items. You can also help create the bags too!
Just pretend you’re the Creator for a minute. Imagine if you as a three-dimensional creator created a two-dimensional world. I know we exist in four dimensions (length, width, depth, time) but for the sake of simplicity let’s just say three. So these two-dimensional people can move forward, backward, left and right, but they have no comprehension of up or down. You can watch their every move from above, but they can’t even comprehend you as a 3-D Creator ‘above’ watching in. You can do miracles in their world – your finger can appear and disappear. They can’t imagine where your finger came from or where it went. Now, you could remain completely hidden, and they couldn’t even comprehend your existence in another dimension.
The underlying question to “How do you feel about other religions?” is really the question, “Do you think you’re right (as a Christian) and everyone else is wrong?” The true answer is, “I don’t know who’s right and who’s wrong. But I have faith that Jesus is my Savior that died for me to unload the weight of condemnation I had shouldered so long.” Answering this difficult question open-ended diffuses people’s resistance to listen and allows them to relate to you and actually want to hear your answer since you didn’t fire back, “Jesus is the only way and you’re gonna burn sucka.” The point isn’t to win the debate or discussion, it’s to relate in the discussion. But you can be tolerant and disagree with someone.
But let’s say we’re talking about safe, reliable used cars, and I insist that the best car for the money is the Ford Pinto (which Ford discontinued because they blow up!). But I’m a firm believer in the Pinto because I can get a Pinto for $1,000 with less than 20,000 miles on it. Are you intolerant of my faith in the Pinto if you try to convince me that a Honda is a much better value in reality because it’s more safe and reliable than a Pinto? If you say, “Don’t entrust your wife and kids to a Pinto, they blow up when rear-ended at 20 mph. It may be cheap, but it’s dangerous.” Would you a be mean, intolerant person because you didn’t agree with my view that Pintos were the best value for a used car? No – you would caring about me by sharing what you know to be true. Now, if you attack me or my character or intelligence – then you’re not motivated by love but by your need to be right.
This is Guido from Sicily. I didn’t have enough time to talk to him and find out why he’s on the street but I’ll ask him the next time I see him. I’m sitting at the light for a little bit when I see him making funny faces to a kid in a backseat. I’m thinking I’m gonna lose my opportunity when he finally looks up.
If you feel like you can assist, we are accepting donations and 100% of the money will go into buying supplies. “Is CasaRush a 501C3?” No, we’re just a group of people trying to help less fortunate people. We’re not looking to make money through this, we’re looking to assist people through this.