#GOTEAMSALC

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#GOTEAMSALC *

Our community is stronger when we come together. St. Andrew Lutheran Church is launching "Go Team SALC," a grassroots campaign to raise $100,000 by December 31, 2025. Led by our congregation and open to everyone who cares about local impact, this designated reserve fund will ensure we can continue vital community outreach while staying prepared for future challenges and opportunities.

For years, St. Andrew has shared God's love beyond our walls through a nature-based preschool, winter shelter for 50 families, school support, mentoring programs, Habitat for Humanity partnership, weekly food pantry, and community garden. As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, we champion equity and inclusion for all.

We're reaching out to neighborhood businesses, preschool families, volunteers, and community friends who've witnessed our impact. Whether through $1,000 gifts from 100 supporters or $125 contributions from 800 people, every donation matters.

This goes beyond fundraising—it's community building. From business partnerships to garage sales to our winter bazaar, we're creating opportunities for everyone to participate in spreading hope and love.

Join our team. Help us continue making a lasting difference while building a sustainable foundation for the future.

Here's what this support looks like in action:

  • "I want to thank you for all that you do for Orchards Elementary, and I have to share a story that keeps playing in my mind. It was probably my first year coming to your church on the night you were giving away holiday food boxes. I was helping families communicate and get connected, just taking in the sights and sounds of you all in action helping families in need. In walked a mom with both arms loaded down with infant car seat carriers—what an extreme effort to get out of her car, unload two babies, and walk in with those heavy car seats hanging on each arm, all to make a humble ask for a box of food for her family. When we chatted, I learned that her teenage daughter had just given birth. So, one baby was her grandchild and the other was her own child—just a couple of days apart in age. A St. Andrew volunteer came around the corner with a huge cart full of food, and the mom just wept. It was almost like the idea of loaves and fishes; there was more than could fit in the car. It was such a beautiful experience. You brought tears to her eyes, relief to her body, and hope to her family. Thank you for loving your community."

    — Jennifer Beeks, Outreach Coordinator at the Family & Community Resource Center for Orchards Elementary

  • "All my life I was never able to stand up for myself, and I lacked self-esteem. This led directly to my incarceration. I was involved with a man who was a sexual predator, and I didn’t turn him in or leave him when I knew what he was doing. I paid five years of my life for this lack of self confidence. During the first 4 years of my incarceration, I spent most of my time isolating myself, and staying disconnected from others around me. Then, a fellow inmate told me about the OPOP program, and encouraged me to ask about it. I applied, but was told that the program couldn’t find a church to match me with. It was crushing for me. But the very next day, Alvin at OPOP, emailed me back, and said, “Oh, my goodness, a church has said they want to work with you!” It was St. Andrew in Vancouver. We began by writing letters to each other. This led to emails, phone calls, video chats, and finally, heartfelt in-person visits. They have supported me in every way they could after my release. My first time worshiping at St. Andrew was on my 35th birthday. They threw me a party after church, and even more friendships began to form on that day. As a result of my connection with OPOP and St. Andrew, I now know I am not alone, that I can figure out life on the outside. I thank God every day for their help. The friendships I’ve made and the love, encouragement, and acceptance I have received have changed my life.”

    — M.C., One Prisoner One Parish Partner

  • “After spending two and a half years living in my car, I knew that one more winter would be hard for me if it snowed again. I had been sick for several months and wanted some rest and a safe place to lay my head. However, as a transgender person, going into a shelter was not something I wanted to do or felt safe enough to do. I got up the nerve to call the Council for Homeless Housing Hotline. It took a few days to get through to an intake person, but the person placed me immediately into the WHO. I was welcomed by two counselors that evening, who both spoke to me separately during intake. They told me that I could use whichever restroom and shower I felt comfortable with, and that I could use them after hours if that would make me more comfortable. The other big surprise was that they immediately connected me with another counselor, Molly, who reviewed my resume and sent me notices of full-time jobs. Molly also worked with another counselor to get me into housing. I was very skeptical when they told me they planned to get me into an apartment by the time the WHO closed for the season. But they did! I moved into my new apartment a week after starting my new full-time job at a local non-profit. The staff at the WHO are amazing, the church staff and the volunteers who cooked dinner each night are all wonderful people. Each one of them supported me in a different way, but they stayed in contact with each other so that they all knew what was being done. They never pushed me to do anything I didn’t want to do or wasn’t ready to do. This is a program that deserves to be funded year after year. If I had known all it took was for me to ask for help I would have done it sooner. Thanks to the WHO staff, my health is now much better. I’m eating better, I have a great job, my bills are getting caught up, and I'm an MBA candidate.”

    -WHO Guest

  • “St. Andrew, its core groups and league of volunteers, is one of the many reasons for its strength. Whether it’s partnering to offer shelter, education, seeking housing justice, finding volunteers, supporting children, or just offering basic-need items to neighbors and those who are houseless. St. Andrew has been there time and time and time again to serve those in our community. Thank you, St. Andrew, for being a phenomenal partner.”

    — Kate Budd, former Executive Director, Council for the Homeless

  • “We applaud St. Andrew Lutheran Church for seeking after those who are poor in Spirit and for lifting up the hands of those who are downtrodden. You are leading by your example, and we as fellow disciples of Christ are grateful for that leadership and your friendship.”

    -Stan Bower, Stake President, Vancouver Washington Stake

  • “Thank you for hosting us, you are showing Jesus to the world! Jesus was homeless during his ministry and relied on faith and kindness of others. This shelter shows that same kindness to so many others.” Share Engagement Specialist

    - Share Engagement Specialist