Where are they?

    They’re walking the streets, living from house to house, behind buildings, under bridges, in our parks, in abandoned houses and in cars. They are in these places in an attempt to find security from harm and to find shelter from the elements.

Who are they?

        They are the people behind us in the grocery checkout line, the family living in their car at Wal-Mart,the children in your child’s class, or the person sitting in the pew next to you at church. They are the family at the library, the mother and children at the park, or the family passing you on the street. They are individuals who do not have a home for multiple reasons. They are the victims of disasters such as Katrina, foreclosure, divorce, eviction, substance abuse, or relocation. They are us, and all they need is a hand up.

Facts

    Nearly 400 children who are registered in schools in Wilson County do not have a permanent residence. Many other children are in dire straits and are not even registered in the school system.

    “Sofa Surfers” is a term used to describe children who move from sofa to sofa and house to house hoping for a real home someday.

    Many senior citizens go without medicine in order to have a roof over their head and face eviction when medical intervention is necessary.

    Before Brooks House renovation was completed, an average of 427 calls per month were received requesting help. Assistance was given to over 200 people before the doors even opened.

    Mortgage foreclosures have escalated, leaving many without a home.

    According to published reports, Wilson County is one of the wealthiest counties in the state, is one of the fastest growing counties, and has the state’s largest award winning fair. We were ranked by the Progressive Farmer as the nation’s eighth “most Livable Small Community”. In spite of this, we have this tremendous need for assistance. People need not just tangible items, but emotional support to know that they matter and are important. The Brooks House accepts those wanting a hand up not a hand out. We provide connections as well as temporary shelter.

    We can, as a community, make a difference in these peoples lives and, in turn, make a difference in our own lives as well.