The Barron Heights Community Development Corporation was founded in 1994 by the Breath of Life Seventh-Day Adventist church under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Benjamin Jones. The newly formed organization received a grant from the Veterans Administration to purchase the building we currently occupy. It was later decided to name this building the Barron Heights Transitional Center.
The Barron Heights Transitional Center opened its doors on March 31, 1997. Our initial intent was and still is to provide a safe and sober environment for those in need. Physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery is the primary focus of the shelter. The demographic makeup of our clients is diverse in race, religion, and age (20-70yrs). Some of our clients are physically and emotionally challenged. Housing is provided 24 hours a day and three meals are served daily. Although we receive partial funding from the veterans per-diem program and local city & county government, the need for more funding is one of our greatest obstacles.
Homeless and/or displaced people have multiple issues. People who have not experienced homelessness have no idea of what it means to be without shelter, a hot meal, and intact support systems. Many of our clients struggle with drug addiction, poor self-worth, and lack of resources. Regardless of our opinions of why people are homeless, the fact remains that thousands of men, women, and children are sleeping in cars, doorways, and temporary housing in America everyday.
As a society we must continue to be aware of the needs of others. Homelessness is not only their problem, it is our problem. Let’s all do our part to support those who fought fearlessly for us.