The Mental Health Chaplaincy
Dear Friends of the Chaplaincy,
Over twenty-five years ago the Mental Health Chaplaincy began because of the immediate need of people on the doorstep of churches in our neighborhood; people without homes or the basics of life and, most critically, people 
without the capacity to move through the desolation to a sustainable, peaceful existence.
Today, despite the increasing availability of services, meals, temporary shelter and permanent housing, the work of the Chaplaincy increases. In our current economic environment even more families are compromised through joblessness and the multileveled despair that results. Some newly homeless are downsizing out of their houses and apartments into their cars. Trauma, mental illness and isolation remain a daily reality for many of our neighbors.
Companionship, through compassionate listening and active presence has been, and always will be, the core work of the Mental Health Chaplaincy. We need your help to continue.
Here is a sample of the requests we receive daily:
- “I live in Virginia, but my sister is on the street in Seattle. Can you help?” (from the website)
- “We can serve meals, but how do we have a real conversation with a person living on the street (from volunteers at a community meal program)
- “A person with mental illness is coming to church. How do we welcome them?” (from a local church)
- “I work in this field. I am inundated with paperwork. How do I see the real person suffering on the other side of this desk?” (from a social services professional)
- “I am a street chaplain in California. Will you come and do a Companionship Training at our site?”
This is what we do to help:
- We teach neighbors, volunteers and professionals to build understanding and skills in listening and communicating with people who are struggling
- We are on the street and present at meals and shelters, doing the work of companionship
- We advocate on the street alongside those living on the street
- We consult with families by phone, via email, and face-to-face
- We train community organizations and churches in the way of companionship
- We mentor students, interns and chaplains entering the fields of social service, counseling, and ministry
- We offer support for those doing the work in the community
As happens, beautiful gestures come full circle, and our founder, Craig Rennebohm, has personally experienced the compassionate community he started. With this letter, he sends his greetings and deepest thanks to you all for your personal care, and for your ongoing gifts for the Chaplaincy.
Again, we are able to do the culture-changing work of Companionship because of your financial support. Please help us continue by sending your donation today.
Checks can be made out to “MHC” and mailed to:
Mental Health Chaplaincy
c/o Prospect Church
1919 E Prospect
Seattle, WA 98112
For this, and for your continued engagement and prayers, we are deeply grateful.
Kae Eaton, Chaplain
