The mission is possible because you are here.
Mission Possible is the annual servant learning opportunity of this congregation. It started in 2005 under the ministry of our retired Deacon Heidi Cryer. Mission Possible uses an accompaniment model of service, where we seek to learn from those in need, to be part of what is already being done, and to interact with agencies that provide direct services to the poor and vulnerable in our community. We recognize that joining together is the best way to address our community’s challenges.
For two consecutive summers prior to 2025, the Mission Possible Team was in Spokane to better understand the factors contributing to homelessness, particularly among women and children. They worked with Transitions, a non-profit that provides wrap-around services to women and families, and they were trained in Mental Health First Aid. These experiences drove the planning team to rethink how we could engage with our local community in 2025, especially serving people without housing.
To prepare for Mission Possible 2025, the Planning Team sought to assess local resources addressing homelessness. They attended the Benton-Franklin Continuum of Care monthly meetings to learn which agencies and organizations were actively serving that population. They also consulted with the Benton-Franklin Health District to understand the scope and demographics of homelessness in the two counties. And they met with All Saints Episcopal Church in Richland, which operates the regions only low-barrier cold weather shelter during the winter months.
These partnerships informed the development of a comprehensive, week-long program. The schedule included hands-on service with agencies supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness, tours of local facilities, and evening sessions featuring presentations by subject matter experts and agency representatives. Through this intentional planning process, Mission Possible 2025 aimed to foster a deeper understanding of local challenges while inspiring informed, compassionate action within the church and broader community.
There were 8 different volunteer hands-on service projects arranged with local organizations for Mission Possible week.
We worked alongside young adults, previously unhoused, cleaning the rooms in an old motel, the place where they now live together and call home.
We visited with residents at Lutheran Senior Center as we cleaned their refrigerators.
We packed pasta at a support and learning center for women who had been trafficked or escaped abuse.
Some workers sorted food at Second Harvest, while
others packed food bins at St. Vincent de Paul.
At the same time volunteers served meals at the Union Gospel Mission.
There were participants serving meals and take-away meals in parks for people without housing.
And some had the opportunity to help new immigrants work on their English.
The “Ramp team”, named because their main job throughout the year is building ramps, worked on painting and repairing projects they had arranged to do. Agencies and volunteer teams were provided with 52 helping hands from the participants in Mission Possible week.
There were 10 different tours offered by local organizations.
We visited the future substance use and mental health facility;
“high barrier shelters” for men and women with children;
a public library where residents can find help with filling out forms and
receive medical attention;
supportive housing for formerly homeless people;
a nonprofit organization where women survivors of poverty and exploitation can learn job and life skills;
a food bank that serves over 1700 families weekly with food;
and a refugee community.
We also heard from a city community development coordinator about their plans and achievements with affordable housing.
Each evening, participants gathered at Lord of Life for dinner and panels of speakers, where over 5 evenings, we heard from 22 representatives of agencies, organizations, and ministries in the Tri-Cities to help our unhoused neighbors. Each night had a focus on the panel presentations and discussions. From addiction and recovery to different kinds of housing (permanent, transitional, and shelters), to resources that help with job-training, food, clothing, and showers, we discovered that two things are paramount: every program needs volunteers and we need to partner with others to address this crisis in our community.
After a debrief among 27 participants a month later, it is clear that Lord of Life is committed to working with other community partners to help meet immediate needs and work toward long-term solutions. We will continue to seek the Spirit’s wisdom as we look forward to the future with
hope, living out our values of acceptance (We welcome all without exception, as modeled by Jesus.),
generosity (We share our time, abilities, and resources in serving all God’s people.),
and service (We meet the needs of others without recognition or expectation.).