Barnabas Connection here in time of need
Barnabas Connection is a local non-profit that helps connect people in need with services available. As the number of people economically impacted by the business closures associated with COVID-19 grows, so does the local community’s need.
“We do expect a big increase because of people not having jobs right now or getting less hours,” Kate Sowell, Executive Director of Barnabas Connection, said. “If they call in and need help with rent or electricity or medical bills, they will get transferred through to Operation Good Shepherd, and they will be able to help screen them and help them financially. We can’t pay a full mortgage but we can help.”
Operation Good Shepherd is a financial assistance fund started by the Wimberley Ministerial Alliance, which was put under Barnabas’ guidance 12 years ago.
“It mainly helps with rent, utilities and medical needs,” Sowell said.
Barnabas Connection also has a helpline, (512)842-9674, to connect people with other local services.
“What that helpline does is people are directed to a volunteer, and they can refer them to resources in our community,” Sowell said. “Say you call in and are in need of food, we can direct you to Crisis Bread Basket or Amigos De Jesus or some other entity that can help you get food. We were already doing these things. What we are doing now that is different is we have a whole list of volunteers who are responding to COVID response. If you call in and say ‘I am social distancing at home because I’m high risk but I need medicine or groceries,’ we have volunteers who we can connect you with to help.”
Barnabas has already added four additional volunteers to answer the helpline. Donations of either time or money can help. A donation link is available on www.barnabasconnects.org
For those who wish to volunteer, contact Sowell at [email protected].
“We are going to get through this,” Sowell said. “It might be a little while, but we will rally together as a community and get through this. That’s why are we are here to help. It doesn’t matter who you are or what our income level is. If you need help call us. We are here.”