You’re out and about town and you encounter a homeless person. How can you help? What about some money? That’s temporary and you don’t know what will be done with it. What about some food? Again, that’s temporary and does not help with shelter.
Why not hand the person a Macon New Beginnings backpack? It has food, clothing, water, a Bible, and Macon New Beginnings’ phone number. You have done something to help.
A person you know has had some unexpected things happen, causing them to be in danger of becoming homeless. Or, maybe they had an emergency expense and can’t pay rent. In another case, they found a place and can’t come up with the deposits for rent, electric, and water. Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck. What do you do?
Excluding REACH’s domestic violence shelter, there are no shelters in Macon County. All across the United States, housing is not only hard to find, but also expensive – if you can find it. In one case in Franklin, a 500-square foot unit is $1,050/month. The causes of high prices are many, including Macon County being a tourist destination, which increases home values and rents; also, these facts result in interest rate increases, insurance increases, tax increases; and more.
A person in need can call Macon New Beginnings at (828)202-3103. Macon New Beginnings receives referrals from the Franklin Police Department; Macon County Sheriffs Office; emergency services departments; city and county agencies; state agencies; churches; businesses; nonprofits; hospitals; schools; and, individuals. Assistance is available year-round.
Acknowledging the need for help is the first step, and calling the Macon New Beginnings phone number starts the process of getting that help. For some, this is a very difficult step. Client calls are returned to arrange for an intake appointment. Macon New Beginnings is an all-volunteer organization. Most of our volunteers work full-time and assist those in need when they are freed up from their work responsibilities. Thus, intakes are by appointment only.
Client-intake interviews are the second step in providing assistance. Once the interview is arranged, our client’s circumstances are discussed. Based on these circumstances, a plan is developed to help our client move toward permanent housing.
Macon New Beginnings is receiving many calls related from clients who can’t afford their power bill. If other needs are present, like the need to find work, our client is provided with community resource contacts. While all local apartment complexes have waiting lists, our clients are encouraged to submit applications for all complexes and contact landlords.
While helping to meet the immediate physical needs of our clients is our task, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is our mission. We believe that a relationship with Jesus will change our clients’ lives and therefore their circumstances.
Macon New Beginnings, Inc., is a 501(c)3 Christian nonprofit that helps Macon County residents with emergency shelter or permanent housing needs. Since its inception in 2015, we have helped more than 2,000 people. Our emphasis is help with permanent housing. Macon New Beginnings relies on local funding to operate and provide assistance. For more information about donating or volunteering, visit the website at www.maconnewbeginnings.org, or call (828)202-3103.