The future of homeless people can be as uncertain as the question: Whose responsibility are they? Government  services are limited, social resources are stretched thin, and citizens are faced with panhandlers who seek quick solutions. Into this complex issue plunged former pastor and woodworker Rev. Duane L. Sich.  Sich’s ministry career gave him an insider’s view. He saw people wander into his church looking for a short-  term fix, but he was only able to offer prayer and a few dollars. Sich decided to tackle the bigger challenge and  find a more permanent solution, 13 years ago he started a woodworking ministry called Friends of the  Carpenter. Those who have been cast aside by life’s  circumstances, and perhaps poor choices,  find their way to a building as big as a  cathedral – but this one is a warehouse  that shelters a full woodworking shop. The  building is called the Friendship Center and  although the visitors aren’t offered a  handout, they get a chance to be trusted.  Each day begins with a devotional. The  sharing of faith stories and praise songs  communicates the mission of Friends of  the Carpenter. Sich says it’s “a great way  to put God and God’s guidance right before  everyone who is in the Friendship Center.  And the vision and conversations continue all day long.”  Those conversations hum along with power tools, scroll saws, and turning lathes, as visitors and volunteers are  taught to turn blocks of wood into gifts sold by the ministry.  “We have within us the desire and the ability to create. I see people getting engaged in the woodwork and  getting engaged in the activities here,” says Sich. “They really feel good about doing something that makes a  difference.” It’s a casual atmosphere devoid of suits and ties, and it’s difficult to know who’s who.  “You probably really won’t know who is a volunteer and who is the person that’s coming to find some kind of  shelter for the day,” says Marlene Najdek, who volunteers three days a week. Rectangle and fruit-shaped cutting boards are sold to support the ministry. Picture: Friends of the Carpenter. Shop assistant Craig Cluff calls the center a place where people “can come together as a whole and work  together for the betterment of our community.”  Like the wood that is shaped and the rough edges sanded smooth, arrivals at the Friendship Center have a  similar experience. Participant and volunteer Tina Walker says the wood shop “gives people a place to go and  know it’s OK.” Board president Brent Stahl loves the power tools and being able to create things, but what’s highest on his  priority list is seeing people “thrive and gain a sense of being worth loving again.”  Duane Sich welcomes all to the Vancouver-based nonprofit with the belief that people are artistic, capable and  “no one comes better than anyone else.” Then he proceeds to draw out the best in everyone the ministry  touches. “What we really do is give the ability to do something that makes a difference for somebody else,” says Sich.  Our Location: 1600 W. 20th St., Vancouver, WA 98660 360-750-4752 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 65358, Vancouver, WA 98665 2nd Chance Thrift Store: www.2ndchancethriftstore.org 3414 A  NE 52nd St. Vancouver, WA 360-750-3867 Friends of the Carpenter is supported by many faithful friends, families, and churches! We are grateful. Thank you for your support! HOME    ABOUT    TOOLBOX    VOLUNTEERS    EVENTS    PRODUCTS    CROSSES    SEASONAL    HOME & OFFICE    CHILDREN & FAMILY    OUTDOOR    FURNITURE    APPRECIATION    MISCELLANEOUS    DONATIONS    CONTACT    SPONSORS Friends of the Carpenter is a non-profit ministry. Copyright © 2012  Friends of the Carpenter Vancouver WA. Please do not use any content from this site without prior permission.