Monika Wiesner still remembers the day when, in the early morning hours, she found a young woman asleep on the steps leading into a downtown church.
“She appeared to be under the influence of something… and in trouble,” said Monika. As she tried to stand up, she began sliding down the steps. Monika stayed with her until help arrived, then went inside the church to lead worship.
The text that day was focused on the many unnamed women in the Bible. It was only then that the irony struck her.
Monika Wiesner is choosing a practical way of living out her values through the Adopt-a-Room program, which supports ShelterCare residents.
Monika hadn’t asked the young woman her name. “It hit me like a ton of bricks,” said Monika. “She had a name, and I never asked. That never left me.”
Over her many years in ministry, Monika has found different opportunities to focus on individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, including having youth in her congregation volunteer at Out of the Cold and the Emergency Food Hamper program as part of their confirmation.
“The kids engaged with it– they shared their stories with the congregation as well as their deeper reflections around inequality,” said Monika. “I invited them to consider choosing a career that would help make the world a better place.”
Today, Monika’s work as a spiritual director reminds her of how many people struggle in life.
One of the ways that Monika has decided to offer support through House of Friendship’s Adopt-a- Room program.
Through this program, Monika is providing 365 days of rest for one ShelterCare participant. This includes 1,095 hot, nutritious meals, a warm bed with clean
sheets, one-on-one help to find permanent housing, and an on-site medical team.
“I think we’re all called to make the world a better place,” said Monika. “As a global citizen, what we do matters. We all have a role to play.”
