The Salt and Sea
Mission Church, Inc., a not for profit organization, was established in 1987 as a
statement of Christian faith by Debbe Santiago.
While Debbe was still homeless, the Lord led her to minister to
homeless people under the boardwalk in Coney Island with food, clothing and the Bible.
The outreach program expanded to Debbe Santiago's home. Homeless men
and women were able to take showers, have dinners and Bible studies. Debbe also allowed
homeless women to live there. The street ministry was conducted out of a shopping cart
filled with food, clothing and compassion for those whose only shelter and comfort were
found under the boardwalk and in subway stations.
The need for a permanent facility in Coney Island became apparent, and
a small apartment was acquired. Having outgrown that space, the Mission relocated in 1991
to a larger building where it is presently housed. By using the mission facilities,
working in the streets, the subways, and having an outreach program to families in a Hotel
that houses homeless families, the Salt and Sea Mission Church, Inc. provides the
following services:
Food Pantry: Feeding approximately 28000 meals monthly.
Hotel Ministry: Special dinners and events each month and
at holidays, feeding approximately ninety-five homeless families at each dinner. Families
participate in Sunday worship services and furniture ministry and youth programs. Families
receive sponsorship for apartments with Project Domiciles and follow-up for one year after
getting their own apartments.
Russian Ministry: Once a week on Wednesdays
Spanish Ministry: Once a week on Fridays
Christian Fellowship: Bible studies are given five times
weekly. Discipleship classes are offered separately for children and adults once a week.
Prayer meetings are conducted five times a week. The Mission also provides Sunday School,
and performs weddings, infant dedications and funerals.
Other Vital Ministries: There are Overcomers meetings
once a week. Salt and Sea Mission Church, Inc. also offers drug and alcohol counseling,
referrals to detoxification programs, job training, legal assistance, medical and dental,
HIV/AIDS entitlement, literacy classes, long term residential programs, ESL classes for
Russian and Spanish speaking people, reading classes for children, and outreach and food
distribution to senior citizen apartment buildings
Along with these programs, there is also social service and housing
advocacy, TB and HIV testing, distribution of clothing, blankets, toiletries, and
assistance through the disbursement of donated furniture and household items. Salt and Sea
Mission Church, Inc. is also used as a mailing address and approximately 11,000 pieces of
mail are collected yearly.
The Youth Development Program offers summer camp, special excursions,
Bible studies, arts and crafts, on-site recreational facilities, one-on-one counseling,
after-school homework sessions, junior choirs, adopt a child, new back to school clothing,
recreational time, Christmas gifts and knitwear, and new Easter and Christmas clothing.
The staff of the Salt and Sea Mission Church, Inc. are all volunteers. All
food, clothing and funds of the mission are obtained through charitable contributions and
grants. Tax-deductible gifts are welcome.