It all begain on New Years Eve, 1999. Mr. Darrel Beck, the visionary behind Christian Shelter for the Homeless, Inc. was talking to a concerned neighbor about a friend's son-a recovering addict—who had no where to live after completing a rehabilitation program. The closest homeless shelter was 30 miles away, which at that time had no vacancy. Questions quickly arose-Where was he to go? Were there many more people struggling like these? Why were we sending local people to other counties for support, and how could we expect them to reestablish themselves in such an exiled environment?

From that winter's conversation, a dream was born. Papers were filed to create a 501(c)3 corporation; a Board of Directors was recruited; and a building was eventually purchased on Fourth Street in downtown London. After much prayer and equally as much plain ol' hard work, Christian Shelter for the Homeless, Inc. opened its doors on December 21, 2007. The Shelter received its first resident within a half hour. Within a week our facility was at half capacity. Two weeks later we were forced with learning the difficult decision of how to turn people away..

Since its opening, the Shelter has maintained an average daily census of fifty or more men, women and children. Our facility provides dormitory-style accommodations for twenty single men and six single women on the main level, as well as apartments on the upper level which support up to seven families with children. In addition to providing housing, our volunteer kitchen staff prepares two hot meals a day, seven days a week-which currently translates to 700 meals each week. Peripherial services that our mission has found both costly but critical to the care of its residents also include the following:

Assistance with job placement Minimal transportation assistance Help with medical care and medication assistance Case management for current and future planning Clothing and laundry assistance Basic spiritual and educational classes Donations of house ware, furniture, and other necessities to exiting residents ...and much more.

Christian Shelter for the Homeless, Inc. is proud to acknowledge our guilt for dreaming big. It's with these dreams, and the support of our wonderful community, that we found our beginning, and hope to offer the same blessing to countless others who simply need a hand-up, not a hand-out.

Mission Statement:

Christian Shelter for the Homeless, Inc. was founded as a ministry dedicated to serving the homeless by being Christ's liaison—reaching out to people where they are, extending God's love in practical ways. Our Shelter hopes to aid in building a Christian society through the improvements of physical, mental, emotional, and financial needs, as well as promoting self-efficiency beyond these basic human needs by addressing social, moral, and educational conditions of persons who temporarily reside in our home place.

Geographic Area of Ministry:

While it is our intention to primarily serve locally displaced residents, it is not our intention to turn away those who have need. The primary service area for Christian Shelter shall focus on Laurel and surrounding counties.