Latch & Live Foundation

01/28/2026

01/28/2026

❄️ OPEN | LATCH AND LIVE ANNUAL WARMING SHELTER ❄️
FREEZING TEMPERATURES EXPECTED

Latch and Live Foundation
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Due to dangerously cold temperatures, Latch and Live Foundation is opening our Annual Warming Shelter to provide a safe, warm place for individuals and families in need.

🕕 SHELTER HOURS
Open indefinitely until further notice
🍽️ Food will be provided

📍 LOCATION
Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ
1431 13th Avenue N
Bessemer, AL 35020

📞 Church #: (205) 424-6892
📱 Contact: Mara Ruffin Blackmon
(205) 266-8817

🙏 WE NEED YOUR HELP 🙏

We are requesting donations and volunteers to support the warming shelter.

Donations Needed:
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• Blankets & warm clothing
• Hygiene items
• Monetary donations

Volunteers Needed:
• Evening & overnight shifts
• Food service assistance
• Setup & cleanup

To donate or volunteer, please contact Mara Ruffin Blackmon at (205) 266-8817.

Chair: Elaine Holifield

Community Partners:
City of Bessemer
Mayor Kenneth E. Gulley
District 19 Senator Merika Coleman
Bessemer District 2 Councilman Chester W. Porter, Pro Tem
Bessemer District 2 School Board President Terry Dawson
District 2 Commissioner Shelia Tyson
District 56 State Representative Ontario Tillman
Nurturing Golden Hearts/MyKeshia Myles
Bessemer District 3 City Councilor Sarah Bell Person
Bessemer District 1 City Councilor Jarvis Collier, President
Bessemer District 3 City Councilor Donna Thigpin

❤️ Please share this post to help protect our community from the cold.

01/25/2026

12/30/2025

Warming Station Open

12/14/2025

❄️ OPEN | LATCH AND LIVE ANNUAL WARMING SHELTER ❄️
FREEZING TEMPERATURES EXPECTED

Latch and Live Foundation
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Due to dangerously cold temperatures, Latch and Live Foundation is opening our Annual Warming Shelter to provide a safe, warm place for individuals and families in need.

🕕 SHELTER HOURS
Sunday, December 14 | 6:00 PM
through
Tuesday, December 16 |12:00 PM

🍽️ Food will be provided

📍 LOCATION
Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ
1431 13th Avenue N
Bessemer, AL 35020

📞 Church #: (205) 424-6892
📱 Contact: Mara Ruffin Blackmon
(205) 774-9740

🙏 WE NEED YOUR HELP 🙏

We are requesting donations and volunteers to support the warming shelter.

Donations Needed:
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• Blankets & warm clothing
• Hygiene items
• Monetary donations

Volunteers Needed:
• Evening & overnight shifts
• Food service assistance
• Setup & cleanup

To donate or volunteer, please contact Mara Ruffin Blackmon at (205) 774-9740.

Chair: Elaine Holifield

Community Partners:
City of Bessemer
Mayor Kenneth E. Gulley
District 19 Senator Merika Coleman
Bessemer District 2 Councilman Chester W. Porter, Pro Tem
Bessemer District 2 School Board President Terry Dawson
District 2 Commissioner Shelia Tyson
District 56 State Representative Ontario Tillman
Nurturing Golden Hearts/MyKeshia Myles
Bessemer District 3 City Councilor Sarah Bell Person
Bessemer District 1 City Councilor Jarvis Collier, President
Bessemer District 3 City Councilor Donna Thigpin

❤️ Please share this post to help protect our community from the cold.

11/25/2025

🌧️ Rain or Shine — TODAY IS THE DAY! 🌧️
💜 FEED 500 Community Fellowship 💜

The weather may be rainy, but our hearts — and our pans — are FULL! We’re here, we’re ready, and we have plenty of food to serve our community today.

Whether you’re hungry, wanting fellowship, or just want to pick up a warm meal, everyone is welcome. You can dine in with us or grab a box to go — whatever works best for you.

📅 Happening TODAY!
⏰ 11 AM – 2 PM (and we may extend the hours if needed!)
📍 Bistro on 19th
109 19th St N
Bessemer, AL 35020

Come out, stay dry, share a smile, and enjoy a meal with us.
Rain can’t stop community. Rain can’t stop love. 💛

Hosted with the support of:
✨ City Councilor – D2: Chester W. Porter
✨ School Board – D2: Terry E. Dawson

Chair: Elaine Holifield
Founder: Mara Ruffin Blackmon

02/17/2025

📢 **Announcement from Latch and Live Foundation** 📢

We are excited to announce that a warming shelter will be opening at the Triumph The Church and Kingdom of God in Christ, located at **1431 13th Avenue N, Bessemer, AL 35020**.

🗓 **Opening Date:** Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 5 PM
🗓 **Closing Date:** Saturday, February 21, 2025, at 12 PM

We are in need of donations to support our efforts, including:
- Monetary contributions
- Snacks
- Catered meals
- Toiletries
- New underclothes and socks for men, women, and children
- Volunteers and professional in-kind services

If you would like to help or need more information, please call us at **(205) 434-1559**.

Thank you for your continued support in assisting our neighbors in need. Together, we can make a difference! 💙

01/22/2025

Please Share

01/21/2025

Overnight Warming Shelter Open! Please share with family, friends, neighbors, and all who need a warm place to stay tonight and a hot meal.

On behalf of myself, Mara Ruffin, Councilman Chester Porter, School Board Member Terry Dawson, and Elaine Holifield, we would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to Mayor Kenneth Gulley, Pastor Dr. Victor L. Harkins Sr., Commissioner Shelia Tyson, Senator Merika Coleman, State Representative Ontario Tillman, State Representative Patrick Sellers, Councilwoman Sarah Bell Person, and MyKeshia Myles for partnership, donations, and continued efforts to help our neighbors in need 🫶🏽

01/19/2025

🌟 **Join Us in Making a Difference!** 🌟

The Latch and Live Foundation is gearing up for a crucial initiative from **January 20 to January 23, 2025**, to support our community during this freezing weather. ❄️

On Monday, January 20th, warming center will open at 6pm and continue as needed to assist all who need a warm place to stay. Please share this information with all individuals and families who can use this service.

We're also in need of compassionate volunteers and generous donations of:
- Snacks & beverages
- Paper products (plates, cups, paper towels, hand sanitizer, hand soap, forks, spoons, etc.)
- Warm winter items (coats, blankets, gloves, etc.)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, towels)
Your support can bring warmth and comfort to those in need. Together, we can create a safe space and show our community that they are not alone.

💖 **How You Can Help:**
- Volunteer your time
- Donate items or funds
- Spread the word!

For more information on how to get involved, please contact us by calling (205)434-1559 Let’s come together to make a difference! 🙌

Donation Links:

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/VJDHKB2R6DJQE