Local program provides rest to homeless
JACKSON, Tenn. — A program in Jackson brought together churches and the homeless to give men a warm place to sleep on Christmas. Officials with Room in the Inn said about 19 homeless men signed up for the program that places them in local churches for shelter Thursday night. Cedric Pounds said Thursday was his first time participating with the program. “It’s a blessing for all the guys and the people that don’t have nowhere to go,” Pounds told WBBJ Friday. “You know, give them somewhere to go, a nice, warm meal at night.” Assistant Program Coordinator Steven McKinnie said he has worked with the program since its start eight years ago. “I just felt like it was something God wanted me to do,” McKinnie said. He said the men spend time together waiting at Area Relief Ministries’ office before being transported to a participating church and returned to the office the next day. “If it wasn’t here, the guys wouldn’t have anywhere to go. They’d just be out in the cold,” McKinnie said. “What the church is doing, it gives them an opportunity to have fellowship on Christmas with other people.” McKinnie said the men are provided beds, food and showers. Officials said about 50 churches are participating in the program, and they are still searching for a permanent emergency shelter strategy. To find out how to volunteer or how your church can participate, visit www.areareliefministries.org.
