With the help of St. James’ volunteers, Proyecto Santiago has finished a Covid Outreach Grant from El Buen Samaritano.
Since last December, outreach volunteers have visited with nearly 400 families at Pecan Park, Huntington Meadows, and Fort Branch apartments in northeast Austin, encouraging them and their families to be fully vaccinated and to spread the word to family and friends.
Families received PPE supplies, a list of vaccine sites, information about Covid generally and about St. James’ and Proyecto in English and Spanish, and an HEB incentive shopping card.
The outreach effort also included spreading the word to Freedom School staff and parents, as well as partnering with Neighbor 2 Neighbor.
It was a good experience, meeting with our neighbors. In many cases, our task was to encourage people to get the booster; they had had two shots. Particularly challenging , though, was convincing young men to get vaccinated; those conversations were really interesting, and sometimes fun.
Thanks to all the St. James’ folks, including Youth Group students, who volunteered in this important community endeavor.
The Rev. Jim Harrington,
Missioner for Proyecto Santiago
