Carol M. AWH is a congregational call to all churches in Spartanburg County to 'open their doors and their hearts' to families, including parents and children, who are homeless/unhoused. They are hungry, they are thirsty, they have no acceptable place to live and don't have even the barest necessities to thrive. These families can be found living in cars, in substandard housing, unsafe trailer parks or 'couch surfing'... staying with family or friends when they can, which often end up short-term. These are families who are in chronic crisis and are suffering undue stress and worry. And these are our neighbors...right here in our community.

Through the loving commitment of local churches, including Saint Paul, families who meet eligibility criteria for the AWH program, rotate from church to church after a 1 week stay at each church. While staying at the church, they are met with warmth & welcome, and I can say, ESPECIALLY so, here at Saint Paul! Our guests are provided with bountiful meals, a safe and clean place to lay their heads at night and they KNOW they are loved and valued by our caring church volunteers. It is a place of refuge AND relief! We just can't IMAGINE what it is like for them. At the same time the families are in a church rotation, they are receiving ongoing case management from AWH to help them get on their feet, to focus on specific goals (like employment, financial stability, etc.), transportation is provided if the family doesn't own a car, among many, many other resources. Case management begins after the first 48 hours of entry into the program in which 'kick starts' movement forward to permanent housing. Since AWH began just about 5 months ago, 4 families have completed the program and have 'graduated' and are now living in permanent housing. THEY EACH HAVE FOUND A WAY HOME! (A tremendous victory! EVERY volunteer at our church has contributed to this outcome, whether preparing a meal, serving as an overnight host, setting up and breaking down rooms, and interacting with children and parents). Families have moved from chronic crisis to actual stability. It has been a GREAT success, and we, at St. Paul, are proud to serve as a host church for the AWH program. We are GRATEFUL to have this unique opportunity to show God's love to our neighbors who need it the very most.

Lisa M.

Chris B. Life is difficult. I can’t imagine someone having to deal with the uncertainty of if they will have shelter for the evening or if they’ll be able to eat that day and what will they be able to provide for their child or children under that type of stress. It’s difficult enough to weather the unexpected storms of life and it’s our most vulnerable that suffer the most in these times. I participate in A Way Home ministry at Saint Paul to try and provide a small portion of help in the lives of my fellow community members in need. Many small portions of help can make a huge difference in the lives of families.