JUMP (Joint Urban Ministry Project) is an interfaith organization supported by 26 area congregations. It is an voluntary program that offers help to anyone who might need it. JUMP welcomes people no matter what their life story has been. Many of the clients are; very low income; homeless or nearly homeless; living with physical or mental disability; recently incarcerated. These people are offered different things at JUMP:

1. Hospitality and spiritual care, which for us means a cup of coffee, snacks, and there are always volunteers who listen, support, problem-solve and make referrals to other agencies as needed.

2. Financial assistance with basic needs through vouchers at local, participating businesses. Vouchers can be used for food, gasoline, bus passes, laundromat use, identification, utility payments, and medication, but can’t be used for alcohol or cigarets. 

3. In addition there are some take-away items based on family size such as food, toiletries, household cleaners and baby care items.

4. Vouchers for used clothing and household goods at local thrift stores, informed referrals to other services, and free books for children and adults.

As a volunteer in this project I work in a team with around 4 other people every day, we offer the services listed above. Also I help with a small personal project, giving out and helping to fill in some surveys about Healthy Aging. This is important for the local services to know how they can help improve their facilities.