DALTON, Ga. — In Whitfield County, the short supply of temporary shelter for struggling families has sparked concern among advocates and churches.
Volunteer Kay Peabody hopes to create a network of churches that will tackle the problem.
She is co-president with her husband, John, of Whitfield Family Promise, which is enlisting area
churches to take in homeless families at night, a week at a time.
The program — based on a national model — will employ both church space and the hospitality of congregants, she said.
Mrs. Peabody spoke last week to the Chattanooga Times Free Press about the need for an “interfaith network” to meet the needs of homeless families.
Q: How did you get involved with Family Promise?
A: A representative from Family Promise came to our pastor. ... It struck a chord with me. I have a heart for people who are really struggling. ... Once we found out about Family Promise, it was like, ‘This is the answer.’
Because with Family Promise, you work with other congregations, you use existing facilities. You don’t have to build something. ... You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. We have a volunteer base that’s huge.
Q: It seems like there aren’t a lot of shelters for families in Whitfield County.
A: Salvation Army has four units, but it’s for very shortterm and those are full. So, for women — especially women with children — there is nothing existing in our community to help them.
Q: You said you “have a heart” for people who are struggling. Do you remember the first time you volunteered?
A: The first time I volunteered was at the Upper Room Mission (for homeless men).
At that time, I was divorced and a single mom, and just was really at a low point in my life. ... It really did help to get my thoughts off of my problems.
Q: Is it also important to you that Family Promise helps people get back on their feet?
A: Not only is it housing, but it’s to find a job so they can afford a house on a permanent basis. Plus, mentoring.
Q: Do you think it’s unusual for churches to have a chance to work together?
A: It’s important to me that we look not at our differences, but at the common ground that we have.
I see us being critical of other denominations ... and this is just an opportunity for us to be one in the Lord.
The program was originally called the Interfaith Hospitality Network, and that’s so descriptive. Hospitality is key in this. This is not a shelter program. This is so much different. ... We are commanded in the Scripture to be hospitable.
This is an opportunity to serve these people. They are honored as our guests, in our homes — which are our churches. ... We do not look down on them. We are offering hospitality to families who have hit a bump in the road.
NEWSMAKER
Name: Kay Peabody
Age: 58
Hometown: Augusta, Ga.
Occupation: Financial administrator, Varnell United Methodist Church
NEED TO KNOW
Whitfield Family Promise will hold a public meeting Monday at 6 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church in Dalton, Ga. Churches interested in joining the network may call Kay Peabody at (706) 852-9896.
