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Greetings!
On September 17, 2025, faith leaders and members from Chum congregations were present to support users of Chum’s Drop-In Center and Shelter as they packed up their belongings and moved to the new location at the Damiano Center. Anxiety was high, hope was present, and fears of the unknown loomed large.
In the midst of this, Rev. Terese Tomanek, member of Peace Church and Temple Israel, stepped forward and led all assembled in prayer.
"May this journey, this transition, be filled with hope and help, a feeling of a fresh start and possibly a new beginning… may we leave Chum carrying…the things that serve us well and leave behind those things that don’t. We pray that burdens…be they physical, emotional, mental or spiritual…can, for a time, be laid down at the door of the new space, if only for a time. And that others will help carry the load."
And off they went, assisted by Chum staff, on to waiting buses kindly provided by Trinity Lutheran Church. The journey to the Damiano wasn’t long, and as the guests alighted from the buses, they were welcomed and greeted by other Chum staff and congregational members who led them to their seats in the cafeteria for a welcoming ceremony.
Pastor David Carlson of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church welcomed all speaking and praying words of reassurance.
"Both Chum and Damiano are organizations that have been rooted in faith. One was part of the Catholic Diocese of Duluth, and its meal programs were started by an ecumenical group. The other began with 10 congregations, including Gloria Dei, and has for more than 50 years continued to be 'people of faith working together to provide basic necessities, foster stable lives, and organize for a just and compassionate community.' These roots in faith are important to remember because…this partnership between Chum and Damiano is also about faith."
Rabbi David of Temple Israel invoked an ancient prayer: "Spread over us the shelter of Your peace. Guide us with Your good counsel; for Your Name’s sake, be our help. Shield and shelter us beneath the shadow of Your wings. Defend us against enemies, illness, war, famine and sorrow. Distance us from wrongdoing. For You, God, watch over us and deliver us."
Pastor Shivon Miller of Trinity Lutheran Church then invited all to enjoy a delicious meal of welcome. The pastors and members of Trinity Lutheran and Peace Church all went from table to table serving each guest and sharing words of encouragement. Folks were entertained by Drew Anderson of Climes.
The night ended with small groups of guests being escorted to the third floor for a tour and bed assignments. 112 guests utilized the Drop-In Center and Shelter that night.
I personally had the pleasure of being stopped by one of the guests the next morning, who was really impressed by the new facility and truly appreciative, exclaiming that “it was the best night I have had in a long time.”
Thank you all, who rallied in support of fellow human beings undergoing a stressful time of transition. Thank you for showing up because of the faith you hold dear. As Pastor David explained that night, it is this faith "that sees the humanity of one another including our most vulnerable neighbors, faith that recognizes my wellbeing is intertwined with your wellbeing, faith that envisions with God a more compassionate and just community and is empowered by God to put that vision into practice."
John Cole, Executive Director at Chum
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