The Christian Center Rescue Ministries
Your generosity is a vessel of hope.
“The biggest misconception about homelessness is that they are lazy and they don’t want something more. If you look at the foundation, the main reason for homelessness is trauma. Far and away. Nothing else comes close. Everything else you see, drug use, alcoholism, mental health- all those things stem from trauma, almost universally. Even when they’re getting their act together, the trauma shouts so loud.”
-Rob Spaulding, Executive Director of the Christian Center Rescue Ministries
In the midst of the sometimes-deafening shout of trauma, hope is possible. Passion and commitment is evident as Richard Harvey describes the life-changing activity that takes place in the Eleos Center daily. “It is part of our mission to restore hope and dignity,” Harvey says.
Harvey is the Outreach Coordinator for The Christian Center Rescue Ministries. The Eleos Center is a program of The Christian Center for the neediest among us who are motivated to turn their lives around. Eleos is the Greek word for mercy and compassion and The Eleos Center provides a safe place to shower, launder clothing, and receive other basic services. Meeting these basic needs is just one of the obstacles that The Christian Center addresses so that those who have found themselves homeless can access health care, find stable employment, develop a healthier lifestyle, and secure housing.
The Christian Center has been a source of hope in Madison County since its inception in 1955. What began with the compassion of a couple opening their home to those in need has grown to nearly a block of buildings in downtown Anderson dedicated to providing resources that are a pathway to a restored life.
The Christian Center’s ongoing impact is possible because of the generosity of the people of Madison County. Over the years, many donors have chosen the Madison County Community Foundation to steward their gifts to sustain the vital work of The Christian Center.
The Christian Center has received nearly $350,000 from the Madison County Community Foundation through Designated Endowments, Donor Advised Funds, and Community Impact Grants.
In addition to showers and laundry, community support allows The Christian Center to serve 11,000 meals each month, distribute 44,000 articles of clothing annually, and house up to 70 men at a time. Through the Homeward Bound program, The Christian Center provides a one-way ticket home for those who find themselves misplaced in Madison County.
Rob Spaulding, Executive Director of The Christian Center, is proud of the work ethic of the men who find shelter at The Christian Center. “All the guys are working. Everyone contributes to the community . . . they are working hard to turn their lives around. They’re swimming upstream against public perception about them.”
Currently, The Christian Center is expanding to provide housing for women and children. This need is great. The Christian Center receives 12-20 calls each week from women looking for a secure place and this will be the only of its kind in Madison County. In September, The Christian Center received a $25,000 grant from The Madison County Community Foundation to support this endeavor.
The Christian Center is dedicated to demonstrating forgiveness and alleviating hunger, homelessness, and hurt. The community is invited to join in this mission. To learn more about The Christian Center or to volunteer visit their website.
Give to one of the Christian Center’s Designated Endowment Funds:
Charles H. and Hazel Dickmann Christian Center Fund
Keith and Jeanne Jones Christian Center Fund
Lavonne Lovett Endowment Fund for the Christian Center
Every gift, large and small, contributes to the mission of Madison County Community Foundation to increase the quality of life for the citizens of Madison County. Consider giving to the Impact Madison Fund to help us continue to meet emerging local needs. All donations to this fund will be tripled. Your generosity is a catalyst for individuals to reach their potential as they gain access to resources and opportunities.
