Rust Street Ministries - The local ministry, so named for its location at 803 Rust St.,
By Ami Mizell-Flint
Photography Becca Sankey Photography
Volunteers speak to an average of 50 families a day about their needs and how Rust Street Ministries can serve them. Every interview ends with prayer.
Bryant Jarvis, director of Rust Street Ministries, oversees the organization’s six employees and numerous programs. “People’s lives are so hard,” he said. “They need love, they need care, they need kindness, they need compassion, they need physical help. I’m honored to be part of a team that gives it to them.”
When a family comes in for donated clothes, children pick out five tops, five pants and three pairs of shoes, one of which is a new pair of sneakers purchased with money donated to Rust Street. An adult may select up to 30 items. There are also hygiene products, bedding, and various household items to choose from, depending on the need.
As much as he loves helping the people served by Rust Street, called “neighbors,” Jarvis loves watching the volunteers grow through their work just as much. “This matters as much to us as to the people we serve,” he said. “We’re changed as much as they are.”
Janet Brenham, volunteer coordinator, oversees the 120 volunteers that keep Rust Street Ministries running smoothly. Between unloading donations of clothes, household goods, furniture, bicycles and food, sorting them all, organizing, tagging and distributing them, the need for volunteers is always present.
There’s a community of people that work at Rust Street, Brenham said, adding,
Jameson sold Just Between Friends in 2017, but donations to Rust Street continue after each sale.
As for a vision for the future, the one Jarvis and Brenham have for Rust Street Ministries may seem a bit unusual. “This year, we have not served as many people as we served last year,” Jarvis said, “and that’s a good thing. Serving less people tells me the economy of San Angelo is doing better, and people are able to care for themselves.”
But Jarvis knows there will always be a need to serve people who need help. “If five come or 50 come, we’ll be here,” he said.
In 2017, Rust Street Ministries:
Assisted 28,109 people from San Angelo and the surrounding areas with:
If you are interested in making a donation or volunteering with Rust Street Ministries, call 325-486-1004.