Church Under the Bridge (CUB)
Since 1997, Luke 4:18 has been partnering with like-minded organizations to bring worship, the Word, prayer, and a meal to our friends on the streets. Every Sunday morning we meet downtown under the overpass at IH-35 and 7th Street. With the growing homeless population in Austin, at least 200 people are attending on a regular basis every week. Being there every Sunday is a way to build relationships based on love and trust.
We provide practical assistance as well to anyone who has need: bus passes, blankets, sleeping bags, tents, and many other items that can make living a little easier for those experiencing homelessness.
Hope On The Way
In 2020, a group of people from various ministries began to feel the nudge of God highlighting homelessness in Austin. As we gathered to pray and discuss what He was saying, we knew He wanted to reveal how we could better serve the homeless of our city to see people healed, delivered and housed. We visited many ministries around the city, even in San Antonio and Dallas, to gain perspective on how and what was already being done well and searching for a way to collaborate our efforts.
We met with government leaders, law enforcement, and health care practitioners to learn as much as we could. Our findings were not very encouraging. First, we found that there were far more people experiencing homelessness than was being reported by our city government. Second, vast amounts of money were being spent, but to little avail. It became clear that Jesus’ way is the only way to solve this problem. If we will allow Him to lead by His Spirit, He will bring healing, life and provision to this population. We are His hands, feet and voice to see it manifest.
Barb serves on the Board of Hope on the Way and shares her many years of expertise of working with the homeless community. She and Lorie Meynig, Founder and President of Hope on the Way, host a weekly broadcast on The Bridge Radio, KTXW 101.1 FM called Come to the Table. Several other Luke 4:18 members are currently serving in this ministry, as well. To learn more about what Hope on the Way is doing, visit the website HopeOnTheWay.org.