Concerns have been raised regarding Micah Ministry's operations, specifically their nonprofit status and case management services for Fredericksburg social services. Their primary focus appears to be providing resources, including financial assistance and housing, to individuals with histories of substance abuse and criminal activity. However, this approach may result in neglect and mistreatment of hardworking individuals who do not fit this demographic. Additionally, allegations suggest that Micah Ministry's actions contribute to the perpetuation of crime in downtown Fredericksburg. As a survivor of sexual abuse and trauma, who has collaborated with law enforcement to address crime and lived in hardship, I have personally experienced the challenges posed by Micah Ministry's approach. Their discriminatory behavior has hindered my access to essential resources. It is essential to recognize that all individuals, regardless of their background, deserve equal treatment and support. I urge Micah Ministry to reevaluate their practices to ensure the provision of fair and unbiased services to the entire community.
It appears that some shelters, those run by Micah Ministry, may have policies that do not adequately address the needs of homeless individuals.
It has come to my attention that certain shelters have implemented policies that restrict homeless individuals from consuming free breakfasts provided by donors. In some instances, shelters have denied services to individuals who opted to sleep on the streets rather than in their facilities.
I firmly believe that this approach is inhumane and may be in violation of the law. Moreover, it casts doubt on their commitment to their faith.
Furthermore, I question whether Micah Ministry's primary objective is to provide substantial support or generate revenue, particularly in light of their focus on assisting individuals with histories of criminal activity or substance abuse. Are we not all Are are we not all aware of the relevant laws?
Previous Stories
They have not helped me and many others. They only help those who are taking depression medications so they can make money from the government. If you are normal and want to work, they won't help you.
I need a temporary place so I can shower and change clothes and mostly to sleep so I can go to work and build my life but micah only helps lazy people because the government will only pay them for the lazy people. And micah discriminated against people like me who speak in a foreign accent.
I am highly educated and highly skilled and I speak many languages. I have traveled to many countries around the world, unlike these in fredericksburg.
I was raped and the guy who was in my apartment on 06/23/2023 when his mastermind drug dealer and the rapist raped me was in their church following me. I needed the picture of that guy. Micah lady lied and didn't help me because they support crimes and criminals as long as there's money for them.
. Anything I ask them, they refuse to help. Micah is all about business. They will never waste their time on people that they can't make money by using them.. They are also abusive and mean people. And they brainwash the weak.
To which it many concerned,
I have a lot to say about Micah ministry involving, racisms, discrimination, mistreatment, and lack of knowledge and lack of caring for those in needs based on their background.
As so they do not allow you to have breakfast or any other dinning despite free food that they are getting from donations because of these homeless.
If you spend the night in their shelters then they allow you to eat. .
Their $5 beach chairs to sleep on in the shelters can kill you from damaging your back based on your health issues. I think the reason they discriminate against you because either you speak in an accent or they just don't care because you are different.
I became homeless because I was living in hiding from dangerous people. Yes, I am different in every way possible which Micah ministry of Fredericksburg Virginia will never understand and would never care.
They not only critized me, they refusesd to help me, they insulted me, and they accused of what they want to believe.
I understand that Fredericksburg Virginia is behind in many ways vs other cities around the USA and around the world because these Micah churches continue to brainwash homeless people in order to control them
Also Micah ministry supports violence and crimes by these criminals who only know drugs, alcohol, crimes, hatred and violence. Micsh helped them all fully by providing housing, healthcare, food stamp and other resources, clothing, shower and much more
I have plenty to share.
This city runs by churches that are corrupt and these churches are working with the government of Virginia and the county of Fredericksburg City of Virginia in order to make money from these mentally challenged folks.
Sincerely,
MICAH is an amazing servant-based organization. They have been actively committed to ending homelessness in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area for more than 6 years. Embracing and coordinating the help of an army of volunteers and churches, MICAH now provides breakfast, bagged lunches and dinner to the needy in the local area. No one goes hungry. During the winter months the Cold Night Shelter provides a warm and welcoming place for those still living in tents and under bridges to find comfort. MICAH also provides a respite apartment for up to 8 clients who are looking to transition from hospital or mental health agencies. Staff provides recovery guidance and volunteer families offer warm meals for guests. MICAH also is engaged in "giving back" to the community as homeless guests work on local projects to enhance our city and surrounding counties. Once identified as chronically homeless, guests receive walker ID's, Journey help with many essential services, mental health support, showers and laundry service and a place to find genuine love and a sense of HOPE! Homelessness in Fredericksburg has been reduced by over 40% due to the commitment of staff anf volunteers supporting MICAH.
This city-wide volunteer group characterizes what is best about our small city- involvement by many dedicated volunteers- both church based and not. The staff itself is 1st class and highly motivated to help the local temporary and chronic homeless populations. Saying you are associated with Micah is a sure bet with anyone especially for donations as they are respected throughout the city and nearby counties. A true testimony to "God at work" in this world!
MICAH has certainly earned the blessings received. As leaders of volunteers for the Cold Night Shelter we can already sense the feelings of ownership and pride in the renovated Old Little Falls School with our recent cold night. God will continue to bless this ministry as it is a direct service to those less fortunate and offers a caring and non-invasive approach to the needs of our less fortunate resident neighbors.
I first heard about Micah when they were renovating a building to be used as a homeless reception center. I already volunteered at a shelter but had heard that space was limited and there was a long waiting list. That made me sad so when I heard about Micah's concept I was relieved. A group of our teens came down and helped with the renovations. Then many of our adult groups helped during a campaign in various ways and now a womens group I'm involved in goes down every third week and serves breakfast. We LOVE it! Ladies come away so blessed and being able to selflessly do something for others.
I am grateful that God can use me in this ministry. Micah and it's staff really care for the guests in all aspects of their lives. It is truly a blessing to help those in need. The guests rely on what Micah can assist them with and really befriend those helping with Micah.
I have been so impressed with Micah. They provide a need in Fredericksburg that is highly needed. Micah provides dignity back to the people that need it most. People needing a shower, food, computer service, or just communication is provided with a smile. There is no judgement. Micah has developed a dinner each night for the people to attend. Also, there is a cold winter shelter that these people can go to when needed. I am proud to be a volunteer at this ministry.
My experience at Micah has been second to none. I thank God for granting me the opportunity and the privilege to extend his love, through Micah, to those in need. When I look at these men, women, and children, I see someone's mother or father, someone's son or daughter, husband or wife. Micah has gone above and beyond in their role as stewards over God's creation - humankind. My grandson's girlfriend is still sharing with others how happy it made her to see the 'guests' at the super bowl party hosted by Micah last year. She helped several times during the winter and is asking if she can come back this winter. Micah, your heart is big and I thank you for allowing me to be a part of your ministry. God bless you and may He do exceeding, abundantly above all that you may ask or think.
My experience volunteering has been the highlight of my life. The need is great and Micah provides as much as is possible with such love, patience, caring, and support. I pray for the growth of such a wonderful, caring, and well managed community program daily. I hope in the future to volunteer even more.
My family and I have volunteered at Micah for the past several years. Micah is a small but growing non-profit in the Fredericksburg, Va. area. They provide a hot breakfast six mornings a week and a bag lunch. They offer clothing and showers each day as well. Micah actively works to help, those that can afford it, get services to enable them to get off the streets follow up support to stay that way. Micah has recently been able to coordinate community meals throughout the downtown area for each night of the week, to offer the homeless and the community a place to eat each evening. They also offer a respite program to provide shelter and support for homeless patients released from the local hospital. They have recently secured and renovated a permanent facility to house a cold night shelter for the area's chronically homeless on the coldest of nights. The amazing thing about Micah is that it was begun by several downtown area churches and is run by one staff member and an incredible number of dedicated volunteers. Funding is strictly by donation and grants. I have had the opportunity to see many lives impacted and often times changed because of the support and love that individuals have received from this organization. It is a "home" for many that they would not otherwise have one.
I have been a volunteer at Micah in the past and plan to get more involved in the future. Micah has had a tremendous impact on the homeless population of Fredericksburg. Since moving to Fredericksburg from New York fifteen years ago I have repeatedly heard rumors that Fredericksburg doesn't have a homeless population. Contrary to what some people believe or choose to believe, Micah is helping many of those whom some people do not acknowledge even exist. The services that Micah is able to offer the homeless include hot meals, bagged lunches, clothing, showers, doing a load of laundry so that they will have clean clothes, job assistance, computer use and so much more. Sometimes we don't realize how fortunate we are until we are humbled to help those less fortunate.
I lived next door to the Micah center. I had the opportunity to volunteer there a couple time during their morning services. I also did a research project for my Senior Seminar at the University of Mary Washington. The organization is unique and does great things for the community of Fredericksburg. I was impressed by the organization and programs available.
Micah Ecumenical Ministries is a truly unique operation here in the Fredericksburg, VA area, formed on a completely grass-roots level by local area churches to serve the needs of the area's resident and transient homeless. Cold night shelter is provided in the winter, hot breakfast is served year-round, clothing is provided and services such as mail, e-mail, tax help, job search help and healthcare assistance are all provided from Micah's one-stop shop on Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg, VA. Every Micah client is one who would otherwise slip right through the "cracks" or gaps in service which other social service agencies cannot meet.
i have been involved in ministry to homeless for approx 6 years in our community and throughout my time have heard nothing but great stories from the homeless and others that have taken advantage of everything the center has to offer. the staff clearly works hard to assist everyone who comes through the doors with meeting each and every need from shelter and clothing to job and skills training. i have needed to use their knowledge to help me with some things i have done and they have been very helpful with information. This community would look a lot different and there would be a lot of unmet needs if this ministry wasn't here.
I began volunteering at Micah's cold weather shelter shortly before Thanksgiving in 2008 with a friend during my senior year of undergraduate studies at the University of Mary Washington. Twice a week we spent time with Micah's clients before setting up cots for the evening. We began ecumenical efforts with the various campus ministries at UMW collecting clothing, toiletries, and hosting a monthly Saturday morning breakfast. I was also able to host a Super Bowl party at Micah with several of my friends for their clients. Through my experiences at Micah, I formed friendships with some of the chronically homeless individuals who live in Fredericksburg and had the rare privilege of sharing in a small part of their lives. With their limited resources and dedicated volunteers, Micah is meeting the day to day needs of many of the chronically homeless in Fredericksburg while also working with individuals to better their lives long-term with housing, employment, and counseling. I believe that Micah could even better their efforts at reaching more of the homeless population in Fredericksburg by using their bonds with current clients to reach out to others who are either unaware of Micah's services, or who have so far been unwilling to seek their help for whatever reason.
I have been volunteering with Storehouse Ministries Food Bank for the past 7 years and heard that Micah Ecumenical Ministries was feeding the homeless so I began bringing food from our Food Bank to them to help in that effort. I came to realize the tremendous impact that Micah was having on the homeless in our area and doing it all on a shoestring budget. Their budget revenue was magnified exponentially by the many dedicated volunteers that help Micah day in and day out. I was very impressed with how much is accomplished by such a small staff on payroll and how much effort the volunteers contribute to getting things done. They keep reaching higher and wanting to do more to serve the underserved in our community. I soon joined with them and now serve on a fundraising committee.
I had never volunteered with an organization serving the needs of the homeless until the 2008 winter overnight shelter opened. I was impressed by the facilities both of the Micah offices and the shelter. The volunteers and staff have worked hard to keep everything organized and clean. The staff is so appreciative of the help and they provide excellent training so volunteers can formulate expectations and feel prepared. Once I'd volunteered with the freeze night dinners and cot set-up and had met some of the clients I realized the best preparation means simply getting in and being there. This is an organization that makes volunteering a pleasure and makes you feel the difference you and your neighbors can make.