Rowan Helping Ministries officials and supporters did more than turn over a few ceremonial shovelfuls of dirt at the agency’s groundbreaking Wednesday. They took another step forward in helping some of Rowan County’s most overlooked citizens meet basic needs – food, shelter, even clothing – and get back on their feet.
The space in the RHM’s overnight shelter has been inadequate for some time, thanks in part to the sad fact that women and children are now found among the homeless. The new shelter to be built across the street on North Long Street will address that need well, made possible by the generosity of many donors.
RHM is much more than a shelter, though. It includes the Crisis Assistance Network, a busy soup kitchen, New Tomorrows, life coaching, transitional housing and more.
Don’t mistake this for more government dependence. First of all, Rowan Helping Ministries is a nonprofit agency, funded by local churches and donors. More important, it focuses on teaching people to be independent and self-reliant. Rowan Helping Ministries builds dignity, not dependence.