Local church offers support for women in need

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – In Rehoboth Beach, a call to help those in need was answered by a local church.

“This is exactly what Jesus had in mind. This is what Christians are called to do,” said Lutheran Church of our Savior pastor, Don Schaefer.

Nestled away on Bay Vista Drive is the Lutheran Church of our Savior, a place locals have worshiped in for 50 years.

By day, it hosts the community for different events. But by night, it turns into a safe haven for those who are trying to find their own way.

“These unfortunate individuals are out there and they’re literally sleeping out in the woods or in their cars,” said head of property, John Strauss. “It’s just a blessing to be able to give them a warm spot and a place to take a shower.”

With limited resources offered to homeless women in Sussex County, church elder, Donna Egolf, made it her mission to be a voice of advocacy for the women who may be fighting a silent battle.

“I just think that women feel more vulnerable, and they are quicker to just sit in the background and not be as noticed; it’s hard for them to ask for help,” Egolf said.

With a new day comes new challenges, but pastor Schaefer said providing a light in times of darkness for all who walk through the doors, is a steady reminder that the church will be there for them, even when they feel alone.

“At the end of the day, they’re people just like we are. They have stories just like we do; they made choices and decisions just like we do- things happen to them in life just like they happen to us,” pastor Schaefer said.

“If you take off the mask, there isn’t a whole lot of a difference between them and us, except we’re blessed, and for the moment, they’re not,” pastor Schaefer added.