MOULTRIE — A Moultrie church that opened its doors when temperatures recently dropped into the teens is looking to make a shelter a permanent fixture.
If Greater Newton Grove Baptist Church’s plan is successful, it would be the only walk-in shelter operating in the county.
Currently Serenity House shelters victims of domestic abuse and Cross Road Mission operates a shelter that is open to those who meet entrance requirements and are approved by its board.
During recent frigid weather, Greater Newton Grove operated a shelter for several nights that had as many as five people seeking refuge from the cold, the Rev. Cornelius Ponder said.
The church is looking to line up support to make a permanent shelter a reality. Plans are to turn the church’s youth ministry building into a shelter with separate rooms for men and women, and an area for chaperones.
“We’ve talked with different agencies and organizations trying to get some community support,” Ponder said. “We’re looking at turning it from a temporary shelter to a permanent shelter, with a food bank.”
The church occasionally provides boxes of food to the needy, but Ponder said he would like to hand out food each Monday, Wednesday and Friday through a food bank.
The church also could offer a place for those who are without a permanent residence to clean up, shower and shave, and also put them on the path toward getting a General Educational Development certificate, job or driver’s license, Ponder said.
“This time when we set it up, it’s not just a place for them to stay,” he said. “It’s a rehabilitation process. Right now I’ve sent out a proposal to local business people and churches, sororities and fraternities. We’re waiting for a response.”
Ponder said he does not know how much the renovations of the youth ministry building and parking area would be. With community labor from skilled builders it could be relatively modest to make the needed changes.
If response is good, Ponder said, the church plans to renovate the buildings in March and be ready to open by the end of that month. The planned capacity for the shelter is 10 to 15.
As a result of having the shelter open earlier in the year the church has a glut of perhaps as many as 100 blankets that were donated, most still in the original plastic wrapping, so the church is offering to give any excess to the needy.
“If there’s any elderly (people), if they give us a call we’ll get a blanket to them,” Ponder said.
To request a blanket or donate to the shelter project, call (229) 668-0284, or write to the church at 722 Second Ave. N.W., Moultrie GA 31768.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Olivie Ponder-Wallace of Greater Newton Grove Baptist Church organizes blankets at youth center of church used recently as a shelter. The church plans to give away excess blankets. Alan Mauldin
Discussion
Church plans 'more than just a place to stay'
Greater Newton Grove wants to create permanent shelter
- Local News
-
-
Saving wildlife, 1 critter at a time
Many South Georgians enjoy the beauty of bountiful wildlife. But chances are, few realize that there are those special people out there who work diligently and spend their own money rescuing and rehabbing injured and orphaned animals.
-
Tax would build new school
When voters begin casting ballots next week, in addition to picking a presidential challenger they will decide whether to approve sales tax funding for a new high school.
-
Teen robbed on walking trail
A teenager reported being beaten and robbed Wednesday while on the South Main Street walking trail, Moultrie Police Department reports said
-
Easter Seals at Legislature
-
Labor Dept. to sponsor seminar for veterans
Georgia Department of Labor career centers in Moultrie and Camilla, along with employer committees in Colquitt and Mitchell counties, will sponsor a resume-writing seminar for veterans and other job seekers who are looking for civilian jobs with the federal government.
- Your Agenda 2/10/12
-
Grandmother pleads guilty in child's death
A Norman Park woman was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday in the drowning death of her 6-year-old granddaughter.
-
City: Land bank would help with dilapidated buildings
In a short but eventful meeting Tuesday, the Moultrie City Council voted to take another step toward dealing with abandoned properties and, in a separate action, voted to increase the hotel-motel tax to benefit the Colquitt County Arts Center.
Both actions will require the approval of other agencies to take effect. -
Bike trek to raise money for charity
The grandson of a Moultrie couple will be one of about 90 Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity brothers bicycling across the country to raise money for people with disabilities.
-
ABAC brings Near Peer mentors to Colquitt County High
Five students at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College have been selected to participate in the Near Peer Service Learning Program, which allows ABAC students to serve as mentors to Colquitt County High School (CCHS) students.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
