City of Wetumpka, Police Dept., Churches Team Up To Build “Safe Home”

WAKA Action 8 News,
Posted:
Updated:

by WAKA Action 8 News

[gtxvideo vid=”sFOOuONA” playlist=”” pid=”XiOflQdH” thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/sFOOuONA.jpg” vtitle=”Home for the Homeless”]

An exclusive story for you tonight — the city  of Wetumpka is teaming up with area churches to give you a safe place in case people fall on hard times.

Elmore County recently did a homeless count, where they found at least 100 people out on the street.

Now, a new temporary home is coming for those in times of need, but the city is going to need your help to make the vision a reality.
     
The first floor at the Wetumpka Police Department is empty — for now. The city, police department and 26 churches are turning this part of the hallway into a dining hall.
 
It’s all part of a bigger project called PECK — People Extending Christian Kindness. It would also include housing that could hold up to 25 people. But first — they need help to get the place in order.
 
“These volunteers are donating their time, their monies, their efforts towards trying to meet the needs of the homeless, the downtrotten, the cold, the hungry to people who don’t have a place to stay,” Said Mayor Jerry Willis.
 

So come April, that’s what they’re offering. A place to sleep; a place to eat; somewhere to feel safe.

 
There’s still some work to do and Brandon Williams doesn’t mind doing it.
 

“Painting, floors, and helping in any way that I can, you know?” Said Williams.

 

And you can help too. The city needs volunteers to help set up 10 rooms. 

 
It also has a list of supplied needed for the transitional home.

“The personal hygiene stuff that you need, cases of tissue, towels, linens,” Said Mayor Willis.

Police Chief Danny Billingsley says people who stay can also choose to listen in on a devotion…

 

“A non-denominational devotion and do their little hand out tracks,” Said Chief Billingsley.

 

That’s how the churches will be pitching in — by helping feed the people who stay at the PECK home. City leaders want to emphasize that this is a safe place home for people staying short term, not like other transitional homes.

 
The PECK program has also started offering meals the last Thursday of every month. The city hopes to open its rooms by mid April.
 
If you’d like to help volunteer or donate items, call the Wetumpka Police Department at 567-5321.
Categories: News, Video

Related Posts