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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is The Gathering?
   The Gathering is an interfaith meal ministry (commonly called a "soup kitchen") that serves over 100,000 meals a year at three sites to the homeless and poor in The Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. Organized in 1981, we are one of the largest volunteer-based meal programs in the state of Wisconsin.
   
   
2. Do you do anything else besides meals?
   The Gathering's stated mission is to feed the homeless and poor. However, we also attempt as able to meet other needs of our guests as they are identified. Our collaborative program with the Homeless Outreach Nursing Center of the American Red Cross provides mental health services to those eating at our breakfast program. Legal Aid Society and St. Ben's Medical Clinic also provide services on a regular basis. Distributions of toiletries, winter outerwear, bottled water, and other items are held several times a year, as items are available.
   
   The Gathering also provides food for snacks and meals to Our Next Generation - an after-school tutoring program.
   
   
3. Who do you serve?
   The Gathering serves all who come to our doors without regard to race, color, national origin,
   sex, age, or handicap. Each site takes on the character of the neighborhood it serves.
   
   
4. Do you have food pantries?
   Not at the present. We are a meal ministry where people come to eat in a community setting.
   
   
5. Where are your meal sites?
   All three meal sites are in the city of Milwaukee.
   
   1. St. James' Episcopal Church Breakfast & Saturday Lunch
      833 W. Wisconsin Avenue
      
   2. Christian Faith Fellowship Church East Dinner & Saturday Lunch
      724 S. Layton Blvd. (27th St.)
      
   3. St. Andrew's Episcopal Outreach Center Saturday Lunch
      3421 W. Lisbon (35th & Lisbon Avenue)
      
      
6. What are your serving times and days?
   The Gathering serves 51 weeks a year, closing for one week between Christmas and New Year's.
   
   Breakfast Mon-Fri 8:30-9:30 a.m. St. James' Episcopal
   Dinner Mon & Wed 4:30-5:30 p.m. Christian Faith Fellowship East
   Lunch Saturday 11:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Above two sites & St. Andrew's Episcopal Outreach Center
   
   
7. How many people do you serve?
   In 2006, 100,435 guests were served at our three Milwaukee meal sites. 60%-70% of those eating breakfast with us identified themselves as homeless.
   
   • Breakfast Program 56,048
   • Dinner Program 13,227
   • Saturday Lunch Program 26,170
     
   Our Mental Health Program served 2,027 persons, 342 of whom were dealing specifically with mental health issues.
   
   
8. Where does your food come from?
   Our main source of food is from anti-hunger agencies such as The Hunger Task Force of
   Milwaukee and America's Second Harvest. Area restaurants and businesses donate food items on a regular basis. Food may also be purchased as needed from wholesalers.
   
   
9. Where does your money come from?
   The Gathering has a diverse funding base. The fiscal year 2006-2007 budget was $402,600.
   Income sources included: churches (11%), state & federal (11%), corporations & foundations (35%), special events (5%), individuals (32%), United Way Donor's Choice (4%), reserves (2%). Donations are always welcome.
   
   
10. How can I help?
    The Gathering has hundreds of volunteers that work to support our mission every year. You can help as an individual or as part of a group by volunteering to cook, coordinate other volunteers or serve meals at one of our sites. Training is available. Donations of money and food are always welcome. Sponsoring a special fundraising event at your church, business or school; providing a special meal or event at one of our sites; collecting street supplies for our guests are all encouraged. Contact The Gathering by phone at 414-272-4122 or email to talk with our staff about special opportunities tailored to your group's interests and our current needs.
    
    

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