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Safe Space Dinners
Reformation Lutheran is an inclusive, LGBTQIA+ affirming congregation that believes Christ calls us to serve others with joy. In that spirit, Reformation Lutheran proudly introduces
Safe Space Dinners, a ministry for homeless LGBTQIA+ youth, including people of color.
The ministry is simple. On the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, these youth (14-23 years old) are offered a safe space and time to gather for a time to rest and recharge, a home-cooked meal, and a backpack of items they will find helpful in their day-to-day life.
There is no preaching, no conversion therapy attempts; only support and comfort. This is a ministry of giving – nothing more.
Want to Attend?
We welcome those who
● Identify as LGBTQIA+
● Are without stable housing or between places
● Are between the ages of 14 and 23
● Would like to attend
Simply come to the Reformation Lutheran office door at 1118 Union Street at 6:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of any month. No reservations are necessary. The church is located three blocks from the River Drive and North Main Street stop on the 101 North Main Comet route or two blocks from the Union Street and Park Street stop on the 6 Eau Claire Comet route.
Monthly dinners are prepared and served by church members and community partners. All those interacting with the youth will have passed a background check through the SC State Law Enforcement Division.
Statistics as of December 2023
How You Can Help This Ministry
To provide this important ministry, we look to our church members and the community for help. Each month, participants will be given the following items:
- Drawstring bags
- Toiletries
- Hygiene kits
- First aid kit
- Protein bars
- Packs of nuts and dried fruit
- Sharpie and notebooks
- Socks
- Reusable water bottles
- Hand sanitizer
- Gift cards for fast food
- Comet bus passes
- Rain Ponchos (Mylar)
- Winter Weather Skull Caps, Gloves, Neck Gaiters (set)
- Phone Portable Charger/Power Banks
- Lip Balm
- Sunscreen
- Washcloths
You can contribute by purchasing many of the items locally or from the ministry’s Amazon Wish List.
The items you purchase should be shipped or delivered to:
Safe Space Dinners c/o Reformation Lutheran Church, 1118 Union Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
Monetary donations will be used for food gift cards and bus passes. Checks should be mailed to Reformation Lutheran Church, 1118 Union Street, Columbia, SC 29201. You can also donate directly on the RLC website using the Giving tab. Please mark your donation for Safe Space Dinners. Or, you can utilize our Venmo (refluthcola@gmail.com) or PayPal (refluthcola@gmail.com) accounts, again marking your donation specifically for this ministry.
Monthly dinners will be prepared and served by members of Reformation Lutheran Church. All those interacting with the youth have passed a background check through the SC State Law Enforcement Division.
Share with Others
One of our challenges is reaching those we seek to serve.
If you know of a youth in need, please direct them to:
the RLC church website, (www.reformationcae.org)
Follow/Like us on Social Media
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/safespacedinners/)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/safespacedinner)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/safespacedinners/)
TicTock - Click HERE.
If you participate in or have knowledge of an organization or ministry that serves a similar population or would like to partner with us, please contact us or share our email address safespacecolumbia@gmail.com.
We are grateful for our many partners and sponsors
