Superbowl

20th Annual Super Bowl Party for Homeless Offers Respite from the Street

ST. LOUIS (January 26, 2010) – Doug Carter is a sports fan. Like most Americans he plans to watch Super Bowl XLIV on a big screen TV on February 7. Fortunately, he won’t be by himself when he tunes into “The Big Show.” On the contrary, Doug will be joined by over 250 others who are homeless or formerly homeless planning to attend the 20th Annual Super Bowl Party at Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Hall in Soulard.

For the past 20 years volunteers from Jewish Synagogue Congregation Kol Am, Sts. Peter and Paul Church and Peter & Paul Community Services will combine forces to make sure those they serve get an opportunity to enjoy great food, companionship and, of course, championship football.

Carter plans to enjoy it all and this year is special for him. For the last 6 months he has enjoyed living in his own place and he continues to thrive in his part-time job. “I’ve been homeless for 5 years or so and “sleeping out” for 18 months. I’m thankful to God that I can go home after the game instead of having to return to the abandoned building where I used to stay. And by the way, I’m rooting for the Colts!”

Carter found shelter at the Transitional Housing Program at Peter & Paul Community Services (PPCS), a nonprofit organization that provides housing and supportive services to homeless men, especially those living with mental illness, HIV/AIDS and substance abuse. While at PPCS, he saved his money, created a résumé for the first time and eventually landed a part-time job doing maintenance for an organization on the north side.

Carter is fortunate. The majority of folks on hand for the Super Bowl party will ”go home” to a shelter or the streets after the event.

But thanks to volunteers like Linda Berkowitz of Kol Am, Super Bowl Party chef Paul Sturma and countless other volunteers, Sunday, February 7th will bring smiles and much needed respite for hundreds of men, women, children, seniors and veterans normally without access to such celebrations.

Tickets are free and will be distributed by Peter & Paul Community Services and partnering agencies who work with those who are homeless. Shuttles will drop participants off at their respective agencies after the party.

Date/Time: Sunday February 7, 2010 2:00 p.m.

Venue: 816 Allen (Parish Hall)