A place for homeless is sought in Brewton

A banquet set for July 29 at The Avenew located at 1023 Douglas Ave. in Brewton will hopefully raise money for The Matthews 25 Center, a non-profit organization that will serve to accommodate the homeless and families who are homeless for a short period in a way that while prepare and assist them for long-term success.

The dream project of Lorraine Davis, who works as a Financial Support Worker II for the Escambia County (Ala.) Department of Human Resources (DHR), The Matthews 25 Center will offer accommodation for up to five families who can stay up to six months in a fully-furnished bedroom and work closely with a case manager to access community resources to develop a long-term plan to successfully transition clients to permanent housing once completed. Davis said she deals with homeless people every day in her work at the DHR.

"It's really sad," said Davis. "I see it everyday. Just because you ride downtown Brewton and you don't see people laying up on the corners of the buildings or pushing these buggies, they are there. They might have a suit on or even to go work, they're homeless. They're hidden in plain sight."

Davis said she is trying to get the word out that there will be a place for someone to be able to sleep. She said it will not just be a homeless shelter for those who have lost their finances, but that it will serve those who have fallen victim of disaster, or with Red Cross referrals, just whatever the need is for. She plans to network with other non-profits to make more resources available to those in need.

A Christian-based ministry, it will have a clothing closet for men and women who may need professional clothes for job interviews, non-cooked food, such as sandwiches, showers, a washer and dryer, welcomes men's and women's clothing donations.

"When individuals who need somewhere to stay come in, they can stay up to three nights," said Davis.

The banquet is the first of many fundraisers Davis has planned to bring awareness to the community that there are homeless people in Brewton and we need to help those who have wound up in need of resources.

"I'm trying to get the word out about the organization," said Davis. "This is my first fundraiser and I plan to have plenty more, although this is the first banquet. I don't want anyone to go hungry. I've been there before."

The center will offer a variety of services, such as life skills classes, job searches, resume writing, success in job interviews, counseling, nutrition education and literacy classes.

Davis, who has her degree in resource management, said she has a social worker who will work part-time with the families and her goal is to help people get back on their feet, get a job, try to help them with housing, and whatever they may need to get back into the community.

Davis is purchasing the building at 314 E. Brooks St. in Brewton, a 2,700-square-foot, 5-bedroom building that will house both men's and women's quarters. She said everyone who comes there will be required to shower and have clean clothing. Davis said bunk beds for children will be more practical to house families, with cots for the men and women.

Davis said the building will require some renovations. She hopes locals, such as retired or working professionals who serve in their community can offer help with plumbing, carpentry, wiring, or other renovation-related work will offer in-kind assistance to help keep the cost down.

"I'm talking to several businesses about donating and contractors and a roofing company that is going to repair the roof," said Davis. "I would love for people to reach out if they feel compelled. Retired people or volunteers who would donate some their time toward wiring and some of the renovations would be very considerate and kind. Several inmates helped to clean

Davis said it's difficult to have a definite opening date, but she hopes to open by the end of 2023.

"We are hoping to open The Matthews 25 Center no later than the end of this year," said Davis. "If we can get the help with the building, it could be earlier than that."

Davis said she has reached out to all the local churches in Brewton and has heard back from one so far. She also has plans to contact local city councils and city officials to ask help to bring awareness to all of the surrounding communities, citing that every town has homeless people, even if they are not readily visible to the population.

"I welcome anyone who comes," said Davis. "As long as I have room, they are welcome."

Sponsorships by businesses or individuals are available for $150 or more. Donations are tax-deductible and can be kept confidential, if preferred. Tickets to the banquet are $25 each or $225 to reserve a table for eight people. The sponsorship applicable is available on Facebook. To purchase tickets, reserve a table or make a donation, contact Davis at 251-895-9482. Anyone who is interested in volunteering may contact her at the same phone number.