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ROOTED IN OUR COMMUNITY
Since our humble beginnings, the mission of Love Chatham has been clear; yet the methods are always evolving. “See where God is working in your world – and join Him in that work.” That idea, plucked from the book 'Experiencing God', led a grassroots group of men and women to respond to the growing needs of our community. We realized that a volatile combination of growing population, lacking local infrastructure, and the COVID-19 pandemic were causing a rise in people experiencing homelessness and hunger. So in January of 2021 we registered and began our good work.
Since then, we have gone from scraping up funds to keep people in motels and off the streets, to providing those same clients with food (via a food pantry in partnership with CORA) clothing (through a free closet full of donations) and furniture for rehousing (assisted by The Furniture Project). We opened up the doors of Freedom Family Church on the coldest nights, even for just a few to find warmth for a while. We did what we could with what we had and God blessed those efforts more than we could imagine. Partners like The United Way, CORA, Second Bloom, Galloway Ridge, The Truist Foundation, Women of Fearrington, Mountaire, and The Salvation Army locked arms with us to serve the many needs of Chatham County that were too overwhelming for just one organization.
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much" (Luke 16:10)
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
As we continued to raise awareness and forge strong relationships around Chatham County, in 2023 we were able to purchase a house close by in Siler City that allowed us to develop a Transitional Housing Program. 'Our House' began serving women and children who were coming out of homelessness and partnering with other programs to regain family health and stability. More recently, construction was completed on a brand new house (in partnership with True Homes) in Pittsboro that will serve as the new location for our Women & Children's program, making room for a Men's Program at the house in Siler City.
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CHANNELING RESOURCES IN WISDOM
We have been divinely blessed with generous grants and partners, but now that we have seen how our ministry has taken shape, we know that wisdom would call us to make ourselves sustainable for the future. Grants and private donations are helpful, but inconsistent. After seeking the counsel of a university-level economic study, we have identified the potential of a thrift store in Siler City that would be profitable enough to sustain our housing program, largely without the need of grants.
THIS IS WHERE $100k COMES IN...
It was recommended to us that we need $100,000 in capital to safely cover the first year of operating expenses for a thrift store. This includes renting or leasing for 12 months, renovations to make a space suitable for a store, and other various 'start-up' expenses. (This is on top of our current costs to run and staff our programs as is) Especially in tough economic times, we know that this is no small feat; but we have learned not to underestimate the generosity of our community and the power of God!
$25,000 MATCHING DONATION
To start off our efforts, we are excited to share that an anonymous family and long-time supporter of Love Chatham has pledged to match the first $25,000 in donations with their own generosity! So our first goal is to raise $25,000 by the end of 2025, getting us half-way to $100k by the new year!
Why call it HOME IN $100k? Because not only will this give us a home for a thrift store, but that thrift store will be providing homes for some of our most vulnerable neighbors in need! We will be using the resources and abundance of Chatham County to rescue and re-empower people just like you who are only a blessing or two away from recovering from homelessness. The only thing left to do is GIVE!
Send checks made payable to Love Chatham to our Director's Office at:
421 N Holly Avenue
Siler City, NC 27344
(Note: We are thankful for Freedom Family Church - Siler City for facilitating the online giving of this campaign. They have agreed to help cover costs so that more of your full donation will safely reach us intact! The donation buttons on this page will take you to their giving platform, but all funds will be directed to us.)
