Several years ago, I felt a calling from the Lord to address the plight of the homeless and impoverished individuals in our county. At that time, there were limited shelters and programs available, primarily catering to specific needs such as substance abuse or domestic violence. Recognizing this gap, I collaborated with like-minded individuals in our community to explore solutions.

After thorough research and prayerful consideration over 18 months, we concluded that establishing a “day center” for the homeless would be the most effective starting point. Through the generosity of First Baptist Church of Athens, we were granted permission to utilize a property they owned but were not actively using—a quaint church building with a small kitchen area. With the invaluable support of dedicated volunteers and generous donations of funds, materials, and time, we were able to outfit the space with essential amenities, including a shower and laundry facilities.

Our journey began humbly, with just two individuals seeking assistance on our inaugural day. However, through our volunteers’ collective efforts and community support, our services quickly expanded. Within a short span, we were accommodating 35 to 40 individuals daily. While our numbers have fluctuated over the years, in 2019, we consistently served an average of 25 individuals each day we were operational. Presently, our outreach has grown, and we now assist nearly 30 individuals daily, continuing our mission to offer aid and support to those in need.