02/26/2026
To every volunteer, every donor, every person who prayed, shared information, passed along a flyer, gave financially, donated items, cooked meals, covered shifts, or simply told someone, “There is a place for you” — thank you.
Over 50+ nights (one 26-day stretch), we welcomed more than 170 unique individuals through our doors at Grace UMC. By the end, 50+ neighbors were finding a meal, warmth, safety, dignity, and community. Nearly 400 volunteers served — whether on overnight shifts or in the kitchen — and together we witnessed something far greater than a warming center.
We saw jobs found.
We saw housing secured.
We saw rehabilitation journeys begin.
We helped arrange transportation back to family and toward fresh starts in new locations.
We saw guests care for one another.
We saw volunteers changed by relationships they never expected.
AND we saw God show up.
Food would arrive when we were running short — never when we had plenty. The necessary number of volunteers always came, sometimes with only a small request, without the begging and pleading of years past. Bedding was always available. Even on the very last day we were open, and we needed 1 more sheet, what we thought was a bag of dirty laundry turned out to be a donation that met a need at just the right moment.
There was always enough room. Even when we spread onto landings and into additional rooms to create quieter spaces, keep families together, or give someone closer access to a bathroom — there was enough. We mostly kept illness at bay. When we couldn’t, we were able to provide over-the-counter medications, arrange doctor's appointments, and, in some cases, pick up from or take someone to the hospital.
Our greatest challenge this year was the need for more Community Health Workers like Georgia — people who can walk closely with our guests, help navigate systems, advocate, and follow through beyond a single night of shelter. As our mission expands, this role is becoming essential.
We were not without a few difficult moments. There were instances where we had to ask someone to leave. But what is remarkable is this: each of those individuals returned. Through listening and conversations, we forged stronger relationships. There is no animosity — only understanding. Growth happened on both sides.
Guests were never simply recipients of hospitality — they became part of the hospitality. They helped one another. They encouraged one another. They shared what little they had. We shared stories. We laughed together. We cried together. We sat up through long nights because we loved one another as Jesus would.
Volunteers often spoke about “the feeling in the building” — a peace, a warmth, something tangible. We pray our guests felt that love just as deeply.
As pre-planned, we will be closing the doors at Grace UMC as of February 28th so the Scouts and church ministries can return to their regular activities. Winter may not yet be over. If we experience additional cold nights in March, we still desire to create a space of warmth and dignity for those who need it.
We are actively seeking a location — either donated or available for short-term rental — not only for emergency cold nights, but a space we can grow into as our mission expands. Community partnerships continue to form, and we see the need to meet our guests in the gaps in ways that are currently unavailable year-round.
Even on days when the center is not open, the work continues. Our volunteers are often found running into one another at Street Level, The Hub, the park, the Library, and the Salvation Army — sitting down to eat meals with someone once considered “a guest,” but now considered CWC family. These relationships are not seasonal. They are lasting.
I am so blessed to be part of the body of Christ and to serve alongside each of you. This season has changed lives — guests and volunteers alike.
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus. Thank you for loving our neighbors. Thank you for showing up.
With deep gratitude,
Tara
