New shelter for the homeless open in Selma

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

Homelessness is a growing problem in cities across the country. Now there’s a new homeless shelter in Selma — to try and help address the issue there.

Members of the city’s faith-based community — are now helping to provide food and shelter — to the city’s homeless population.

The Dr. Winston A. Williams Shelter for the Homeless — opened up November 22, 2023.

“The regular hours is 7 PM at night to 7 AM in the morning.

The shelter is located on the corner of Broad Street and 2nd Avenue.

“We give them a hot cup of coffee time they walk in the door if they desire one. We give a hot bowl of soup or something to eat when they come in as well,” said shelter founder John Grayson.

Shelter volunteer Chris Edwards is passionate about the work that’s being done at the shelter — because he was once homeless himself.

“I know how it feel not to have nowhere to stay. No hot meal. Or not even a bed to lay in,” said Edwards.

Edwards isn’t homeless anymore. And he enjoys the opportunity to show some love — to people who are often neglected — and ignored.

“Some times you have to go through some trials and tribulations in life,” Edwards said.

“Its just something that you have to face.”

“Humans help humans. That’s what you do. And the moral thing to do if you have the capacity to do it,” said Grayson.

For more information about the shelter — call (334) 431-5051.