We see them everyday as we zip by in our cars. We pass scores of them on the sidewalks. Yet, the nameless and faceless members of Midtown’s homeless contingent are typically separated from us by an invisible wall.

House of the Rock, a Midtown-based ministry, is setting out to change that. This congregation, who gathers each Sunday evening in the basement of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer at the corner of 4th and Peachtree Streets near the Fox, has been stepping outside of its own walls to share food and conversation with the needy in and around the Midtown area. 

Although Redeemer offers the Lutheran Community Food Ministry five days per week, one of several food kitchens in the area, House of the Rock’s Immersion Walk brings the outreach to the downtrodden on their turf. 

"Immersion Walks are a great way to make a tangible impact in our community,” says Kate Riney, House of the Rock’s Outreach Coordinator. “So many people that we meet thank us for coming out and ask us to come back every week.” 

Riney explains these folks are often in need of more than just food and water. According to Riney, the smiles and outstretched hands coming from the House of the Rock walkers prove to be equally appreciated.

Before the Immersion Walk hits the streets, the volunteers prepare the food for delivery. Participants are asked to bring soft fruit. Think bananas, strawberries and the like. The needy residents of Midtown often have dental issues, so providing food that is easy to chew is a definite plus.

“But it takes support and commitment from volunteers for us to be able to go out,” Riney adds. “We hope to gain more volunteers to make the Immersion Walks more frequent so the impact can be exponential."

House of the Rock’s Immersion Walk, 2 p.m. June 24. House of the Rock, 731 Peachtree St. N.E. www.houseoftherock.org. Interested volunteers can contact Kate Riney at kate.m.riney@gmail.com.