Submitted PhotoLowndes Associated Ministries to People hosted an open house. 

VALDOSTA —  Lowndes Associated Ministries to People hosted a community open house in efforts to raise awareness on its New Horizon’s homeless shelter and its programs that target placing homeless individuals into public housing. 

The event targeted stakeholders in the nine surrounding counties the organization serves, according to an organizational press release.  Participants received a hot lunch sponsored by PepsiCo, Olive Garden and Fazoli’s. 

The shelter serves nine surrounding counties including Berrien, Brooks, Clinch, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Thomas, Tift and Lowndes counties.

During the open house, LAMP staff provided insight and a call to action, according to the press release. Feleica Harrington, LAMP shelter director, informed the community members on the inter-working’s of LAMP. 

Harrington discussed the organization’s rapid rehousing and emergency shelter grants. Harrington said residents have chores, curfew and must be looking for work and housing during the day between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., etc. 

The Day Center, led by Gayle Moreen, is opened to homeless individuals in the community for washing clothes, showering and utilizing the computer lab for job researching and resume writing. Residents are provided with tools such as mock interviewing, parenting classes, resume writing and budgeting a monthly income.  

The residents have three meals on the weekend at the shelter and breakfast and dinner during the week while having the opportunity to receive lunch during the week at the soup kitchen located on Lee Street next to the Leila Ellis building.

The staff also provided a tour of the up-to-date New Horizon’s shelter amenities and the new greenhouse, built by ENACTUS of Valdosta State University.

Chad Morse, a former LAMP New Horizon shelter resident and now employee, gave a testimonial on how the organization helped him return to society, according to organizers.

Annette Davis, PATH case manager, provided awareness and information on PATH’s services to the mental health clients in the homeless community as well. PATH works with the organization by providing resources to the homeless community who may not reside in the shelter.

“The community open house was a great way for the community to see what the organization does for the community and the changes within the building,” LAMP Development Director Assistant NiaKia Fontes said. “I am so proud of the turnout and I hope that LAMP is able to make even more of a connection with the community.”

Sharah Denton, LAMP’s development director who is also in charge of the marketing and public relations for the organization, informed the community members on the shelter’s current grants and funding resources as well as needs. Denton said homelessness is not what it is perceived to be.

Denton said LAMP is the only homeless shelter in the nine surrounding counties that serves families with children, single men, and single women.

More information, contact LAMP Development Director Sharah Denton, (229) 245-7157, ext. 289 or visit 714 Charlton St.