BY DEBBIE PAGE

During their March meeting, Iredell Homelessness Collaborative members discussed the increasing numbers of unhoused and housing insecure people in the county and efforts to assist them to acquire stable housing and access services.

Michele Knapp, executive director of Fifth Street Ministries, reported that the shelter is currently averaging 80 residents and has plans to increase capacity to 100 with the hiring of a new shelter manager.

The recent unsheltered count revealed 191 individuals across area five counties, with Iredell County having the highest number at 84.

Teresa Gaither from Fifth Street’s PATH program detailed their service hours and the support they provide to the unsheltered community not in the shelter, including meals and referrals for mental and physical health services. For more information, visit https://www.fifthstreetministries.com/path-house/.

Wendy Martin, Project Reentry program coordinator with Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC, announced plans for a Goodwill job fair scheduled for May 1, which will be open to everyone and feature employers who are actively hiring. She will share specifics at the April meeting.

Additionally, Goodwill will have a re-entry roundtable on April 25, aimed at discussing the challenges faced by individuals re-entering society, with a panel of speakers and a keynote address. More details are coming at the April meeting.

Martin also raised concerns about using Fifth Street Ministries’ address for individuals in need of IDs who are not residents of the shelter or receiving services from the Path House. Knapp confirmed that a verification letter is necessary to prove residency or program enrollment for ID purposes. Foundry House founder Brian King added that such letters are essential for the DMV to issue IDs.

Pam Navey praised the involvement of court-involved youth in community service at several recent events, expressing gratitude to Dyrita Ellis of Piedmont Mediation for facilitating their participation.

Steve Byrd explained the operational changes in his bike ministry, requiring sponsors for recipients to ensure they are going to someone in need and not being sold to make money. Anyone wishing to donate a bike that can be refurbished for use can contact him at sbyrd517@gmail.com.

Rob Harris of Restoration Road Ministries (RMM) announced the acquisition of a truck and two trailers to assist with moving individuals into stable housing or to events like the Goodwill Job Fair, and he also offered transportation support for any coalition partners in need, including Mooresville residents.

Harris also recognized the efforts of the Path House staff in increasing recovery interest among the unhoused community. “If they can get clean, they can get on the path to stable housing,” he said.

Harris added that RMM transports residents at Fifth Street Ministries to Celebrate Recovery meetings at Christ Church on Thursdays and on Fridays at Hope Community Church.

Shelton Moore of I-CARE discussed funding for specialized training opportunities for individuals seeking career advancement. He explained the process for those interested in careers such as welding, driving tractor trailers, or healthcare, which starts with a phone call intake and eligibility assessment.

Participants are required to be county residents and at least 18 years old. Training is conducted by local providers, such as Mitchell Community College, and assistance is available for tuition and equipment.

Contact Moore at shelton.moore@icare-inc.org for more information.

King discussed the Foundry House’s transition home, highlighting its eight-month program and recent changes to provide residents with more choices during their stay. The program will now offer exit points at the end of each of the three phases if the resident is ready.

King mentioned the importance of supporting individuals exiting substance use treatment facilities and encouraged attendees to connect with him if they have potential candidates. Brian also noted that the program is faith-based and focuses on job assistance, community service, and accountability.

Karen Kidd of Foundation of Hope Ministries (FOHM) shared details about the organization’s recent Black Balloon Day, which honored those who have lost their lives to overdose. The event at Fifth Street Ministries offered information from community partner agencies about treatment and services available to those interested in a path to recovery.

Kidd also encouraged attendees to save the date for the annual FOHM Community Funday on July 12, which will offer free activities for local children, food, music, and community resources for families.

Christie German provided an update on the 3rd Annual In The Know: A Community Conversation on Substance Misuse event, noting a turnout of 157 people. The event focused on the dangers of youth alcohol and illicit drug use on their developing brains and bodies.

Donald Hicks of Statesville Housing Authority announced an upcoming job fair on Thursday, April 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bentley Community Center. Those organizations or businesses wishing to have a booth at the event are asked to confirm their participation via email to tdouglas@sha-online.org.

The annual Power 98 Summer Block Party is also scheduled at the SHA campus on Saturday, June 14, from 12 to 2 p.m.

Debbie Disco announced the Second Chance Career and Community Resource Fair at the NCWorks Career Center at 133 Island Farm Road on Tuesday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Multiple employers and resource providers will be onsite. The event is open to the public.

NEXT MEETING

The collaborative’s next Zoom meeting is on April 7 at 10 a.m. Individuals or organizations interested in helping the homeless population can contact Pam Navey at pnavey@statesvillenc.net to be invited to the meeting.