For many years, PUC’s Homeless Ministries group has served communities, meeting their needs and sharing God’s love. This year, Homeless Ministries has been working with several organizations and centers to continue its mission through acts of service, aiming to bless nearby communities.

With about 25 PUC students and church and community members joining each outreach, they have collaborated with Clearlake Adventist Church in distributing clothes, hygiene products, and food. PUC’s Campus Ministries, including Junior Sabbath School, have helped prepare food; collaborated with Afterlight and College Sabbath School on events; and had pathfinders help collect donated clothes. Additionally, they have been visiting senior centers in Napa, giving handwritten cards, singing songs, and praying with them. With campus and community support, Homeless Ministries can impact more lives.

With a strong desire to serve and do something meaningful, junior social work major Rut Gonzalez has been involved with Homeless Ministries since her first year at PUC. She started volunteering in different ministries and helped deliver clothes to people experiencing homelessness in Napa on Saturday afternoons–that’s when she joined and found a purpose. 

“Even small actions, like handing someone a jacket or having a short conversation, made a difference,” said Rut. “That experience inspired me to continue serving because I realized that, as students, we have the ability to positively impact lives through simple acts of kindness and presence.”

Rut kindly shared her experience with us and what PUC’s Homeless Ministries impacted her life. 

What have you learned about yourself by being involved with this ministry?

Through this ministry, I have learned that I can serve and impact others even if we are different in language, age, religion, or culture. Service does not require us to be the same; it requires us to care. I have discovered that God can use the gifts and abilities He has given me to make a difference. I have also learned that I am more capable than I thought in leadership, compassion, and perseverance. 

What are some of the biggest needs of the people you serve? 

One of the biggest needs I have noticed is the need to be heard and understood. While food and clothing are important, many people truly want someone to talk to. During our outreaches, I see how much it means to them when students sit down, listen to their stories, and pray with them. Many individuals experiencing homelessness feel invisible or ignored by society, so having someone give them attention and respect can restore dignity and hope. 

How do you build trust with people experiencing homelessness? 

Building trust with people experiencing homelessness can be challenging because many of them have experienced trauma, rejection, or disappointment in the past. Because of their experiences, they may find it difficult to trust others at first. However, I believe that consistency is the key. When we show up regularly, treat them with respect, listen without judging, and keep our promises, trust slowly begins to grow. It may not always become a very close or personal relationship, but even a small level of trust is meaningful. Simply remembering someone’s name, asking how they are doing, and being patient can show that we truly care. 

Has there been a person you met who impacted you?

Many people have impacted me through their stories, but one recent experience stands out. A woman came to get clothes during one of our distributions, and she spoke Spanish. When she realized that I also spoke Spanish, she felt more comfortable opening up to me. She told me she needed the clothes for work and explained the job she was doing. She had traveled a long distance just to get help. Her determination to continue working and improving her situation touched me deeply. It reminded me that we often do not know the full story of what someone is going through, and many people are trying their best to move forward despite very difficult circumstances.

What is the most challenging part of this work for you? What has been the most rewarding?

The most challenging part for me personally is managing my time. As a student, I have academic responsibilities, work, and other commitments, so balancing everything can be difficult. I have learned to create a schedule and prioritize my tasks, but I am still developing my time management skills. The most rewarding part is seeing the impact of small acts of service. When someone smiles and says thank you, it reminds me why this ministry matters. Knowing that our presence can bring comfort and hope makes every effort worth it. 

How has being a part of PUC’s Homeless Ministries impacted your faith, values, and future career?

This ministry has strengthened my faith by helping me see people through God’s eyes. I truly feel that God is using me, my team, and other students to serve others. It has taught me to trust Him more and to rely on His guidance instead of my own strength. It has also reinforced my values of compassion, respect, and justice when working with different groups of people. Professionally, this experience has inspired me to pursue a career as a Community Social Worker, where I hope to connect individuals with resources and support systems to help them build stable, healthier lives. 

What is one thing you want everyone to understand about homelessness? 

I want people to understand that homelessness is rarely a choice. Many individuals face complex situations that involve biological, psychological, and social factors. As a social work student, I have learned that a person’s environment, trauma, mental health, family background, and economic challenges all play a major role in their circumstances. It is important not to judge or label people as lazy or irresponsible without understanding their story. Compassion begins when we recognize that anyone could face hardship under certain conditions. 

What steps can the PUC community take to tackle the causes of homelessness in the area?

The PUC community can continue supporting local programs and services that address homelessness and poverty. Supporting food pantries, donating essential items, volunteering time, and raising awareness are practical ways to help. Education is also important—learning about the root causes of homelessness can reduce stigma and encourage empathy. When the campus community works together, even small efforts can create meaningful change in the surrounding areas. 

What does PUC’s Homeless Ministries need most right now? 

More than material or physical needs, we need prayer and spiritual guidance. We want everything we do to reflect God’s love and not be done for recognition or pride. Our goal is to serve with humility and sincerity. We pray that God continues to guide our decisions, open doors for opportunities, and use this ministry to truly bless those we serve. When our motivation is centered on Him, the impact becomes deeper and more meaningful. 

How can other students or community members get involved with this ministry?

Students and community members can get involved by donating items such as clothing, hygiene products, or food. They can also help prepare meals, assist with organizing donations, or join us during outreach events to distribute items. Even offering transportation for students who want to participate can make a big difference. Every small contribution matters, and one simple act of service can impact someone’s life more than we realize.