Hixson community partners are joining together to recognize May as Homeless Awareness Month. This is a collaborative effort spearheaded by two Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce member companies: Dominion Senior Living of Hixson and RE/MAX Renaissance of Hixson.
Guest speakers will be making presentations and sharing their experiences working with the homeless population at Dominion this month. Residents will also be collecting sample sized toiletries for a local shower ministry.
“Together, our community can make a difference,” says Brenda Purcell, broker of RE/MAX Renaissance.
Herb Hooper, coordinator of the weekly shower ministry at First Baptist Church at the Golden Gateway, recently estimated that 18-20 homeless residents in Chattanooga receive weekly showers, while 20-25 receive free laundry services.
Hooper, a former vice-president at Chattanooga State Community College, says the program also provides 25-30 haircuts and facials by the college’s cosmetology students. He estimates about 10 percent of their customers are veterans.
In addition to the shower, laundry and personal hygiene services, Mustard Tree Ministries, an inner city ministry affiliated with First Centenary Methodist Church, hosts a weekly dinner at First Baptist.
Presently, a network of 15 area churches and over 100 volunteers provide a warm meal and an optional worship service on Thursday evenings. The nutritionally planned meals are prepared by the church members.
Approximately 120-160 individuals are fed at this meal. Shuttle service is provided to and from First Baptist by Mustard Tree. The number increases toward the end of the month as many homeless run out of money. (Some recipients receive limited monthly SSI or disability checks.)
The shower ministry needs sample-sized toiletries (shampoo, lotion, soap and deodorant), laundry detergent pods and dryer sheets to distribute. Drop-off points include Dominion Senior Living Center of Hixson, 2143 Northpoint Blvd. and RE/MAX Renaissance, 6402 Hixson Pike.
For more information: 423-322-0011
Source: RE/MAX Renaissance