News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
White County’s Seeds of Hope plans on breaking ground on a new King Street facility next month.
The shelter facility has kept its doors open everyday since December 15 and plan to keep their doors open until March 15. Seeds of Hope Founder and Executive Director Tina Lomax said the organization plans to be open year-round in the new facility.
“They receive a hot meal, a place to sleep, breakfast in the morning when they leave,” Lomax said. “We do not allow them to stay during the day, because we do use church facilities until our permanent location is built.”
Lomax said they also provide those who stay at the shelter resources to help them get back on their feet. She said Seeds of Hope depends upon community support to operate. If you want to donate or volunteer reach out to Seeds of Hope via Facebook.
“Post COVID, we have just seen almost a double in homelessness in our area,” Lomax said. “It’s astronomical right now the number of people who are currently homeless.”
Lomax said the goal for now is to keep the doors open to homeless every night on the coldest days of the year. Lomax said running Seeds of Hope is something that is personal to her.
“I at one time myself was homeless, and you know at the time I wasn’t a bad person,” Lomax said. “People just get down on their luck. I think as Christians we’re called to help those that are hurting and struggling.”
Lomax said the area is in desperate need of a year-round shelter. The new Seeds of Hope facility will be located on 239 King Street in Sparta.
