A recent announcement letter was sent from a small group of volunteers who plan to open Grace Harbor, a homeless shelter in Dent County. While the volunteers all attend or lead Salem United Methodist Church, the project will be a community effort, they say.
“It is painful for us to believe that there is a need for a homeless shelter in our community,” said a letter sent to various churches, businesses, and organizations. The plan for the shelter is to give priority to youth, children and their parents. After conversations with a variety of educators, it became evident that a housing need is there.”
A committee consisting of SUMC Pastor Barry Baugh, Karen Carmier, Cathy Biggs Huskey and Jenny Summers have come together for pre-planning of the shelter. Summers has had the idea and desire in her heart for years to help youth and those who endure homelessness.
“It’s always been a passion of mine to have a safe place for kids,” said Summers.
After bringing the idea to Baugh, the ball began to roll in different directions for quite some time, but has come to fruition over the past few months. The pandemic slowed the process down but the faith of those involved kept the idea going.
Several locations have been considered but ultimately, the building chosen is located on Fourth Street. The location will have four living spaces, with the possibility of a fifth.
The group will encourage schools and law enforcement to assist in identifying those in need of the services provided at the shelter. Its intent will be to provide temporary housing defined by their situation. An interview will identify needs and set goals for housing, employment and counseling as needed. House rules will be set and followed, to keep volunteers and those being served at the shelter safe. Two volunteers, one male and one female, will be at the shelter 24 hours a day, seven days per week, when in use.
The group does not plan to use government grants, but will rely heavily on monetary gifts and donations. Several private donations have already begun to contribute to the mission of Grace Harbor.
A planned opening in late spring will depend on several factors, but the volunteers are hopeful.
“This won’t work unless it is a community project,” said Baugh. With the large number of volunteers needed, the group hopes this project will function as the Love Pack Backpack Program has over its lifetime. A community effort, with volunteers and financial support from all who want to be involved.
Fundraisers are being organized to assist the shelter. A Color Run is scheduled for March 13, with a 10 a.m. start time. More details will be shared as they are available. Several community church youth groups will sell Threads of Hope, which includes jewelry and headbands. Items sold return 50 percent back to Grace Harbor.
A needs drive for hygiene items, bedding and other pertinent materials will take place before the opening. The group of start-up volunteers asks that everyone will prayerfully consider how to give financially or spiritually, as both are needed to allow the shelter to become a realization.
The group hopes to help others and other programs, as volunteers and churches come together for a common need.
Follow the Grace Harbor Facebook page, as it goes live soon. Grace Harbor uses the acronym Grace: God Raises Abundant Community Effort.
Monetary donations can be deposited at The Bank of Salem, or mailed to SUMC, with attention to Grace Harbor.
